Project Guidelines and Application
Variable Rate Phosphorus
Application in Fields with High P
The goal of this subcategory is to encourage variable rate applications of phosphorus to help draw down zones of high P soils (greater than 50ppm Bicarb P).
Rates
- $20/acre
- Maximum: $15,000 (750 acre)
The per acreage rate can only be applied once per field, annually.
Funding cannot be stacked with other funding programs.
Requirements
- Field(s) must be in the Upper Thames watershed, with the exception of fields within the Municipality of South Huron who are not eligible.
- Variable rate phosphorus or manure applications between June 30th, 2026 – May 31st, 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)
Eligible Practices
- Variable Rate Phosphorus fertilizer/manure broadcast and then 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
- Georeferences 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
If you plan to develop your own Crop Fertility Plan, please visit AgriSuite (agrisuite.omafra.gov.on.ca) and use the Field Management tool.