STAR Plus Soil Health Program
Healthy soils help to capture and store water, improve nutrient cycling, help prevent erosion, increase drought resilience, and are the foundation of a healthy agricultural ecosystem. The Mancos and High Desert Conservation Districts are excited to announce that we are accepting producer applications to participate in the STAR Plus soil health program! This new 3-year program provides financial incentives for producers to implement new soil health practices on their farm or ranch.
In 2021, the Mancos Conservation District partnered with the High Desert Conservation District to secure funding to help local producers understand and improve their soil health by using soil techniques to reduce nutrient and soil losses in their fields. The District is providing funding for producers to implement resilient soil health practices, such as no-till seed drilling, planting cover crops, and contour farming. This project is ongoing and will continue through 2024 with funding from the Colorado Department of Agriculture to support the District and the Colorado.
MCD and HDCD are in year 2 of the 3-year program. Seven participating producers with a combined 453 enrolled acres have incorporated various soil health practices into their land management, including planting cover crops, incorporating rotational grazing, and applications of biochar, humate, and compost. Soil samples taken at years 1 and 3 will be tested and compared to determine if soil health indicators improved over time. The goal is to improve soil health within their operations. STAR Plus practices were financially incentivized by the Colorado Department of Agriculture for a total payout of $19,089.00 straight to participating producers. In addition, as part of this program, MCD purchased a no-till seed drill, roller crimper with trailer, and wood chipper. The equipment is available for to rent HERE.
Both Districts have received funding for a new STAR Plus enrollment for the years 2024 through 2026.
If you are a producer interested in learning more about the soil health program, please contact Neva Connolly at Neva@mancoscd.org
