Equipment and field trials for reduced tillage in vegetable production systems—4 projects
Establishment of silvopasture systems, alley cropping, and windbreaks to provide shade and forage for grazing livestock—3 projects
On-farm composting system improvement and soil amendment trials—2 projects
Annual cover crops for improved forage in rotational grazing systems—2 projects
Conservation cover, hedgerow planting, and land resting in small intensive production systems—2 projects
Whole farm conservation practices for small-scale vegetable and cut flower production—2 projects
Enhanced Soil testing and soil health resource development for an urban farm network—1 project
Pasture establishment and rotational grazing—1 project
Removal of diseased ash trees and invasive species for re-establishment of a forest buffer with native trees and shrubs—1 project
Maryland’s Health Soils Competitive Fund was developed based on recommendations by the Soil Health Advisory Committee. Funding support is provided by the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund and the Moore-Miller administration’s support of the Climate Solutions Now Act. Farm size is not a consideration for grant approval. In the program’s second year, the department received 57 applications from farmers across the state, with 23 applicants selected for funding. In addition to the conservation practices listed above, grant awardees will share progress over the course of the grant term.
Maryland’s Healthy Soils Competitive Fund accepts applications during its annual open enrollment, which takes place for approximately 8 weeks beginning in January.
Source : maryland.gov