Special Projects
Iowa RCPP
RCPP Award #2810
Iowa Climate Smart Switchgrass
Cropping System Transition
This initiative is designed to offer conservation benefits by establishing deep rooted native switchgrass on 5,000 acres of erodible lands in 19 counties in southern Iowa; and provide a market driven alternative to conventional commodities on otherwise low yielding acres. Some of the benefits of incorporating native plants into your farm plan are as follows:
- Using native switchgrass to greatly reduce soil erosion and soil loss
- Warm season switchgrass fixes excess carbon from the air back into your soil!
- Massive root systems from switchgrass increase soil absorption and improve water quality downstream
- Established switchgrass on highly erodible acres capture valuable nutrients form leaving your farm!
Virginia RCPP
RCPP Award #3031
Virginia Climate Smart Switchgrass
Cropping System Transition
This initiative is designed to improve the conservation of our soil, water, and wildlife by establishing deep rooted native switchgrass on 5,000 acres of erodible lands across Southside Virginia while also offering a market-competitive alternative to conventional row crops on marginal acres. Some of the benefits of incorporating native plants into your farm include reduced soil and nutrient runoff as well as sequestration of atmospheric carbon:
- Switchgrass helps defend marginal acres from soil erosion and nutrient loss
- Deep root systems improve soil health and create lasting improvements in water quality
- Native warm season grasses provide perennial wildlife habitat for birds and other beneficial species
- Capture atmospheric carbon and store it in your soil!