Find the Best Fit for Your Conservation Goals with FDCE’s Expert Guidance
Enrolling land in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a powerful way to improve soil health, reduce erosion, restore native habitats, and support wildlife. But not all CRP projects are the same, and with multiple practices available, choosing the right one for your land and conservation goals can feel overwhelming. That’s where FDCE Conservation & Bioenergy comes in. With decades of experience and over 400,000 acres of successful habitat establishment, we help landowners navigate the options and select the best CRP practice for their needs.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common CRP practices and guidance on how to choose the right one for your property.
Understanding CRP Practices: What Are They?
CRP practices are specific conservation plans developed by the USDA to address different environmental goals. Each practice has unique requirements for vegetation type, management methods, and geographic suitability. Selecting the right practice is essential for:
- Meeting USDA contract requirements
- Maximizing environmental benefits
- Ensuring long-term success and ease of management
Let’s explore the most commonly used CRP practices.
CP1: Establishment of Permanent Introduced Grasses and Legumes
Best for: Erosion control and soil improvement
Vegetation: Non-native but persistent grasses (e.g., smooth brome, orchardgrass) and legumes
Considerations:
- Fast ground cover for erosion-prone areas
- Lower wildlife habitat value compared to native mixes
- Often used in areas where native species are harder to establish or erosion control is main goal
CP2: Establishment of Permanent Native Grasses
Best for: Wildlife habitat, pollinator support, and long-term sustainability
Vegetation: Native warm-season grasses like Big Bluestem, Indiangrass, and Switchgrass
Considerations:
- Greater biodiversity and long-term ecological benefits
- Slower to establish but more resilient
- Requires proper site prep and weed control (an FDCE specialty)
CP4D: Permanent Wildlife Habitat
Best for: Creating diverse habitats for upland birds, small mammals, and pollinators
Vegetation: Mixed native grasses and forbs
Considerations:
- Strong focus on biodiversity and habitat structure
- Often includes shrubs or other vegetation layers
- Requires tailored management and maintenance plans
CP21: Filter Strips
Best for: Improving water quality along field edges and streams
Vegetation: Grasses planted along waterways
Considerations:
- Helps reduce runoff and sedimentation
- Works well in conjunction with productive cropland
- Must be strategically placed and sized based on topography
CP23 & CP23A: Wetland Restoration
Best for: Restoring hydrology and habitat in former wetland areas
Vegetation: Wetland-adapted native plants and grasses
Considerations:
- Supports waterfowl, amphibians, and aquatic species
- Requires hydrologic restoration (e.g., plugging ditches or removing tile)
- Long-term ecological benefit with proper planning
CP33: Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds
Best for: Supporting game birds like quail and pheasants
Vegetation: Native grasses and forbs
Considerations:
- Typically implemented in buffer strips along crop fields
- Enhances hunting and outdoor recreation opportunities
- Minimal land taken out of production with high wildlife value
CP42: Pollinator Habitat
Best for: Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
Vegetation: Diverse native wildflowers and grasses
Considerations:
- Critical for crop pollination and biodiversity
- Requires careful species selection and establishment techniques
- FDCE’s BOOST-enhanced seed helps ensure strong pollinator habitat
How to Choose the Right CRP Practice for Your Land
Selecting the right CRP practice depends on a variety of factors:
Your Land’s Characteristics
- Soil type and condition: Heavily eroded land may benefit from CP1 or CP2
- Moisture levels: Wetland areas are best suited for CP23 or CP23A
- Proximity to water: CP21 filter strips or riparian buffers are ideal
Your Conservation Goals
- Wildlife habitat: CP2, CP4D, or CP33 for diverse ecosystems
- Pollinator support: CP42 is the clear choice
- Water protection: CP21 and CP23 reduce runoff and improve water quality
Management Capabilities
- Some practices require more maintenance (mowing, burning, herbicide control)
- FDCE offers full-service solutions to take the burden off your shoulders
Long-Term Vision
- Are you interested in using this land for bioenergy in the future?
- Do you want to transition the land back into production after the contract ends?
- Are you prioritizing wildlife, soil health, water conservation, or all three?
How FDCE Can Help
At FDCE, we provide expert consultation to help you:
- Evaluate your land
- Understand program requirements
- Select the most beneficial CRP practice
- Implement the project from start to finish
Our full-service approach includes site preparation, high-quality native seed, precision planting, and ongoing maintenance, ensuring your CRP project meets your goals and USDA standards.
Make Your CRP Investment Count
Choosing the right CRP practice is the first, and most important, step toward a successful conservation project. By aligning the practice with your land’s characteristics and your conservation goals, you can ensure a thriving, sustainable landscape for years to come.
Ready to get started? Contact FDCE Conservation & Bioenergy today. We’ll help you navigate your CRP options and deliver a solution tailored to your land’s potential and your vision for the future.