USDA projects to protect natural resources | Environment

Farmers and landowners in portions of Craighead, Mississippi and Poinsett counties have until July 1 to submit applications to receive cost-share assistance to implement conservation practices through the Little River Ditches Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI) project.

Under the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI), USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will provide technical and financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program for the project.

The goal of the five-year project sponsored by the Northeast Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts, is to reduce the nutrient loss from agricultural land (primarily cotton) through improved nutrient use efficiency and reduced runoff from agricultural fields.  The focus of the conservation efforts will be utilization of variable rate fertilizer application rate technology and improved irrigation water management. 

Landowners interested in signing up or wanting more information should contact one of the following NRCS Field Service Centers: Craighead County, (870) 972-4671, ext. 3; Mississippi County, (870) 563-3207, ext. 3; or Poinsett County, (870) 578-2444, ext. 3.

Additional information about the MRBI project, a project area map and conservation practices, is available at www.ar.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/mrbi.html.