What We Do
History
The history behind Soil and Water Conservation Districts dates back to
America's Dust Bowl days. Following years of devastating drought, Congress and the President authorized the
formation of local districts to deal with local concerns. Rather than
try to solve the obvious soil erosion problems from Washington, D.C.,
they recognized the wisdom of letting local folks decide which issues were most
in need of corrective action. This helped ensure that local priorities throughout the country
would compete equitably for federal funding.
Technical Assistance
KSWCD provides technical assistance to local landowners in the
agriculture community. Our primary purpose is to make sure LOCAL
conservation priorities are addressed by various federal programs, rather than
relinquish those decisions to elected officials in Washington, D.C. We are here to assist landowners with their applications
for various Farm Bill programs, such as EQIP or CREP, and to help find funding for similar
projects which may not "make the cut" for limited Farm Bill funding.
No-Till Drills
The District has two
"No-till Drills" available to rent out to local growers for a
nominal fee.
"No-till" (also called
"conservation tillage"), has developed as an integral part of
sustainable agriculture, because it can decrease
soil erosion losses ordinarily associated with conventional tillage.
With conventional tillage bare soil is exposed to the
erosive action of water and wind.
Under conservation tillage, the implement applies seeds without plowing or turning over the soil. The crop residue buffers the raindrops' and wind's energy, so there is less erosive force acting on the soil. The protection provided by the residue, along with the rougher surface that prevails after the drilling, facilitates infiltration and decreases runoff and wind erosion. Since soil moisture content is retained, conservation tillage can also conserve water and fertilizers.
Irrigation Efficiency
The District recently participated in an irrigation pump efficiency test
program, wherein anyone with a large electrical irrigation pump could
have their motor's efficiency rating tested at no cost to the pump
owner. This valuable service would enable the irrigator to know if it
was time to repair or even replace an inefficient pump, or make other
water-saving adjustments to their operation. Although the free pump test
program has ended, KSWCD remains committed to help producers with their
irrigation problems, including recommendations for further pump testing,
a highly successful nozzle exchange program, or any of a number of
alternatives for improving irrigation efficiency.
Alternative Energy
A new area of local interest in which the District has been involved is
Alternative Energy. District staff were deeply involved in the
Alternative Energy Conference hosted at the fairgrounds during 2006. As
the nation discusses the pros and cons of bio-diesel, wind power, and
corn-ethanol, your Conservation District will be here to take the lead
locally and get some actual alternative energy facilities on the ground!