Rates
- $20/acre
- Maximum: $15,000 (750 acre)
- The per acreage rate can only be applied once per field, annually
- Funding from other organizations or institutions cannot be combined with funding received through the Phosphorus Program for the same project or expense. Most funding categories within the Phosphorus Program may be combined, provided all eligibility requirements are met
Requirements
- Field(s) must be in the Upper Thames watershed, with the exception of fields within the Municipality of South Huron which are not eligible. View map here.
- Must submit field maps showing the field boundaries of all fields included in the application. View example here.
- Variable rate phosphorus or manure applications between June 30, 2026 – October 31, 2026 or between April 1, 2027 to May 31, 2027.
- Variable Rate Prescription maps accompanied by a full soil test report no older than 3 years with: At least 1 sample per 5 acres using site specific grid, smart zone approach or sensor-based sampling.
- P fertilizer must either be subsurface applied, or surface broadcast and promptly incorporated followed by a cover crop or other living crop (e.g, winter wheat).
- Please refer to the Supporting Documentation Checklist and Examples.
Eligible Practices
- Variable Rate Phosphorus fertilizer/manure broadcast and incorporated with cover crop seed.
- Variable Rate Phosphorus fertilizer/manure broadcast and incorporated ahead of planting a living crop (e.g., winter wheat)
Ineligible Practices
- Applications of nitrogen
- Application of <20 lbs/acre P2O5
- Pop-up, in-furrow, on-the-seed applications
- Surface broadcast applications that are not incorporated
- Incorporated applications that are not followed by planting a living crop or cover crop
Prioritization
- Fields in priority subwatersheds
- Fields with erodible soils
- Fields implementing new practices
- Fields being managed to drawdown zones of high P
Application and Review Process
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Applications are received
Applications undergo review; approvals are released
Work is completed as described on application
Submission for claims must include:
- Variable Rate Prescription maps accompanied by a full soil test report no older than 3 years with: At least 1 sample per 5 acres using site specific grid, smart zone approach or soil optix based sampling
- Georeferenced photos of:
- Fertilizer being incorporated
- Crop/cover crop established
- Applicator unit in each field on the day of application
- Invoicing shows proof of fertilizer purchased/applied (date/field ID on invoice)
Step 5
Payment is issued to the farmer/applicant