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SERVICES
PROVIDED BY BELTRAMI SWCD
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When MPCA approved wood ash from
local companies for land application, we could see that this would be
a win-win situation. The
farmer could use wood ash as a substitute for lime at a quarter of the
cost. The processing plants
were paying up to $65 a ton to haul the ash to a disposal site.
This was an environmental nightmare turned to great benefit for
all involved.
After meetings with MPCA, Extension,
and wood processing companies it was decided that because of the information
MPCA needed, that the first stop for the farmer would be the SWCD office. The pertinent information was put together and sent to MPCA
for final approval. Their
approval letter was sent to the farmer, the SWCD, and Extension. The farmer would get soil tests done and take the results to
Extension. Extension calculated
the amount of wood ash needed and the wood processing companies were notified.
Because of MPCA workload, priorities, and frequent changes in the
personnel who worked with this project, the MPCA response would be quite
long in receiving. In mid
1996, MPCA made the decision that the Beltrami SWCD could do the final
approval as long as we follow their guidelines. The Extension office still calculates the amount of wood ash
needed.
The information is usually filled
out in the office and sometimes can be done by phone.
We need aerial photos with fields outlined.
We suggest that you indicate all your fields where
you may want to put the wood ash now or in the future.
This way, the approval process will be done and you will not have
to pay another request fee.
Other helpful information is if
there is ditching and depth of surrounding roadside ditches.
This information is helpful because in our part of the state large
areas of poorly drained soils and soils have a high water table. MPCA restricts application of wood ash on these soils however
if there has been drainage, it is possible that the water table is at
acceptable depths. The farmer
should be aware of the symptoms of “wet feet” in crops grown on these
fields.
Our part of the process includes
gathering the aerial photos, soils maps, and topographical maps.
The outlines of the fields are drawn on each of these maps.
The description of soils is studied and comments are made referring
to their acceptability. If an area is restricted and you disagree, call or come by
and explain why. You are
the farmer and know your soils so decisions can be changed.
If you are not in Beltrami County
or are in a County that does not have a published Soil Survey then the
process takes a little longer. If
you want to speed it up a bit, please get the aerial photos from FSA that
show your fields and outline them.
If you are working with farm programs, you may already have these
in your files. If you can get copies of soil maps that will help, too.
After information is reviewed,
a packet is prepared for you. It
contains the (1) comment letter
(2) topography map if available
(3) aerial photos with fields outlined and restricted areas highlighted
or x'd
(4) soils maps with fields outlined and restricted areas highlighted or
x’d
(5) description sheets for soils
(6) MPCA rules for application
(7) check off sheet with names addresses of agencies and companies involved.
There
is a fee of $50 for this service, and a small charge if you lose your
packet and need another.
The Soil Survey for Beltrami County is in printed
format and is available at the Beltrami SWCD/NRCS Office. This document
is a helpful tool to assist landowners make certain management decisions
about their land. The survey includes a full set of soils maps for the
entire county plus a bound manuscript that provides detailed information
about each of the soil types found in the county. The manuscript also
includes tables which provide guidance information pertaining to limitations
for septic tank installation, basement construction, woodland productivity,
and cropland yield estimates to name just a few.
An important point to remember is that this information
only provides a guide to what soils may be found on your land. It will
be important for you to make site specific inventories to determine acceptable
uses for your parcel of land.
Soil map units have been mapped down
to 2-acre parcels as the smallest unit. If you own this acreage or less,
you may want to ask our office for an individual soils map and specific
soils information pertaining to the type of land use you wish rather than
obtain the full set of maps and manuscript.
Insect or Disease Problems?
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The Beltrami SWCD Stewardship Forester
is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as a certified
tree inspector. Last
fall, continuing education requirements for annual re-certification focused
on the many tree problems related to urban expansion and building among
the trees. Our inspector
can help you identify problems and provide solutions to help keep your
trees healthy.
Questions or comments about any of our services? Give us a call
at 218.755.4339 or email Dede
deanna.kubitz@mn.nacdnet.net
Questions or
comments about our site? Email Dede at
deanna.kubitz@mn.nacdnet.net
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