Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program
The Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program is a new four-year program that offers incentives for cover crops, reducing tillage, 4R practices, manure management, as well as cost-share rates for a variety of practices.
There are a variety of practices that can reduce losses of phosphorus. Maintaining soil cover using cover crops and reduced tillage helps to prevent soil erosion and the loss of soil bound phosphorus. Applying 4R practices, limits excess phosphorus in the soil and limits the risk of losses following fertilizer applications. Shifting manure application to fields with lower soil phosphorus level can help lower the risks of P losses. Windbreaks, riparian buffers and wetlands help to hold water on the landscape and filter runoff.
Projects
Please note categories can be stacked
Incentive Payments
| Eligible Project | Rate | Limits | Guidelines and Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cover Crops | $30/Ac. – CC left overwinter
$15/Ac. – Harvested/Grazed CC |
No Limit | |
| Reduced Tillage | $30/Ac. – No Fall Tillage or Fall Strip Till
$15/Ac. – Fall Vertical Tillage |
No Limit | |
| Subsurface Phosphorus Placement | $30/Ac. | No Limit |
Cost Sharing Opportunities
| Eligible Project | Rate | Limits | Guidelines and Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil Testing and Nutrient Planning | |||
| Erosion Control | |||
| Livestock Watercourse Fencing | |||
| Clean Water Diversion | |||
| Innovative Actions | |||
| Forestry and Tree Planting |
The maximum amount of funding that a farm business can receive over the course of the program is $75,000.
How to Apply
Step 1 Review Project Guidelines.
Step 2 Submit an application.
Step 3 UTRCA will review, and follow up with you. Note: Applications are reviewed as they are received.
Step 4 Implement your project.
Step 5 Submit the Expense Claim Form, and provide documentation.
Step 6 UTRCA inspects the project.
Step 7 Payment is issued.
UTRCA Watershed Map
Please note that projects must be located within the Upper Thames River watershed. View map here.
Contact
This program is funded by the Canada Water Agency.
