Soil Conservation and Water Quality Plan Implementation

Description
A Soil Conservation and Water Quality Plan (SCWQP) is comprehensive plan that addresses natural resource management on agricultural lands and utilizes best management practices (BMPs) that control erosion and sediment loss and manage runoff. SCWQPs includes management practices such as crop rotations and structural practices such as sediment basins and grade stabilization structures. At the request of a farmer, a Soil Conservation District, Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) or USDA professional works with the farmer to determine the group or system of practices needed to address specific erosion and runoff concerns on the farm. The practices are designed to control erosion within acceptable levels and to be compatible with management and cropping systems. A SCWQP can be used for up to ten years without revision if substantial changes in management do not occur. Nutrient reduction is only one of many benefits derived from SCWQPs. Also included in a SCWQP are recommendations concerning forestry management, wildlife habitat and plantings, pond construction and management, and other natural resource management recommendations.

Goal
Maryland’s Tributary Strategies Program has established a goal of 1,364,718 acres to be managed under SCWQPs.

Funding Source
Cost-Share is available in limited amounts from state and federal programs to assist in the implementation of some BMPs, particularly those that are structural.

Implementation Records
722,695 acres of Maryland farm land are managed under a current SCWQP.  Not all BMPs are implemented with technical assistance from Soil Conservation Districts; many farmers install BMPs on their own. Therefore the above figures many not be representative of the total amount of land managed.

BayStat Indicators

Sediment

Nitrogen

Phosphorus

More Information