Understanding USDA Mowing Regulations and How to Use Mowing as a Management Tool Mowing is one of the most widely used techniques for establishing and managing vegetation in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. While mowing can be an effective tool for weed control and habitat maintenance, it […]
When and How to Mow CRP Fields for Weed Control Read More »
Best Practices for Keeping Trees and Shrubs from Overtaking CRP Grasslands One of the most common long-term threats to the health and integrity of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings is woody encroachment, the gradual invasion of trees and shrubs into grassland habitats. If left unmanaged, woody species can drastically alter the structure and function of
How to Prevent and Control Woody Encroachment in CRP Fields Read More »
How to Manage Pests While Maintaining a Healthy Ecosystem in CRP Fields One of the key goals of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is to restore and maintain ecological balance on lands that were once in agricultural production. While native grasses and forbs thrive under the right conditions, they are not immune to threats, particularly
Integrated Pest Management Strategies for CRP Land Read More »
How Controlled Burns Can Be Used as a Tool for Maintaining Healthy CRP Land Prescribed burns, also known as controlled burns, are one of the most effective, natural management tools available for maintaining the health and longevity of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings. While the thought of intentionally setting fire to land may seem counterintuitive,
The Role of Prescribed Burns in CRP Management Read More »
How Beneficial Soil Microbes Support Native Grass Establishment and Long-Term Success When most people think of a successful Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) planting, they imagine healthy stands of native grasses and vibrant wildflowers waving in the wind. But what’s happening beneath the surface is just as important, and often overlooked. One of the most critical,
The Role of Mycorrhizal Fungi in CRP Plantings Read More »
How FDCE Tailors Native Seed Blends to Match Conservation Goals No two CRP projects are exactly alike. From pollinator habitat and wetland buffers to erosion control and wildlife restoration, each Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contract comes with specific objectives, and those goals all begin with one of the most important components: the seed mix. At
Custom Seed Mixes: Creating the Perfect Habitat for Your CRP Project Read More »
How Integrating Cover Crops Supports Soil Health and Long-Term Conservation Goals Cover crops have long been recognized as a valuable tool in sustainable agriculture. For landowners enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), integrating cover crops can offer a strategic advantage, especially during the early stages of establishment or in rotation with perennial species. These
Using Cover Crops to Enhance CRP Land Read More »
How CRP Stacks Up Against EQIP, CSP, and WRP for Landowners and Conservation Goals The USDA offers a variety of conservation programs designed to protect natural resources, improve environmental outcomes, and support agricultural sustainability. For landowners interested in restoring habitat, improving soil health, or reducing erosion, choosing the right program can be a key factor
Comparing CRP to Other Conservation Programs Read More »
How Cold Stratification Supports Germination and Drives CRP Project Success Successful Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings begin long before seeds reach the soil. One of the most critical, science-driven steps in the process is seed stratification, a natural simulation that plays a powerful role in ensuring high germination rates for native species. At FDCE, we
The Science Behind Seed Stratification and Why It Matters Read More »
The Lasting Impact of Native Vegetation on the Land Beneath Our Feet For landowners participating in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the benefits of enrolling go far beyond short-term incentives or visible landscape changes. One of the most transformative, and often overlooked, impacts of CRP is its ability to significantly improve soil health and fertility
How CRP Improves Soil Health and Fertility Read More »
