1. (1) Definition. In this section, “conservation crop rotation” means a planned sequence of crops grown on the same ground over a period of time known as the rotation cycle to support one or more of the following purposes:

   1. (a) Reduce sheet, rill, and wind erosion.
   2. (b) Provide increases to soil health indicators and soil organic matter content.
   3. (c) Protect water quality from excess nutrients.
   4. (d) Improve efficiency of irrigation water use.
   5. (e) Reduce plant pest pressures.
   6. (f) Provide or increase forage supply during periods of low forage production or to extend the grazing season.

2. (2) Eligible costs. A cost-share grant under s. ATCP 50.40 may reimburse for years where a crop rotation was diversified.

   1. (a) Diversification may include any of the following:

      1. 1. Cover crops.
      2. 2. Small grains.
      3. 3. Perennial crops.
      4. 4. Livestock integration.
      5. 5. Other innovative practices approved by the department.
3. (3) Ineligible costs. A cost-share grant may not reimburse costs for land in permanent cover or years of a rotation following the establishment of a perennial crop.

4. (4) Design, construction, and maintenance. A cost-share grant under s. ATCP 50.40 may not reimburse any costs to establish a conservation crop rotation unless all of the following apply:

   1. (a) The conservation crop rotation meets NRCS conservation practice standard 328 conservation crop rotation (September, 2015).

   2. (b) The conservation crop rotation complies with all of the following that apply:

      1. 1. NRCS conservation practice standard 340 cover crop (August, 2015).
      2. 2. NRCS conservation practice standard 590 nutrient management (December, 2015).
      3. 3. NRCS conservation practice standard 595 pest management conservation system (January, 2022).
      4. 4. NRCS conservation practice standard 528 prescribed grazing (April, 2017).
      5. 5. NRCS conservation practice standard 329 residue and tillage management, no till (January, 2018).
      6. 6. NRCS conservation practice standard 585 stripcropping (June, 2016).
   3. (c) The landowner agrees to maintain conservation crop rotation for a minimum of 3 years or the duration of cost share, whichever is longer.

History

History: CR 23-024: cr. Register May 2024 No. 821, eff. 6-1-24.