N.J. Admin. Code § 2:90-2.7

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 2:90-2.7 - Contour farming

(a) A contour farming system which will protect soil from wind or water erosion and abate pollution of water, land, or air from agricultural non-point sources may be applied to non-terraced cropland subject to wind or water erosion which constitutes a pollution hazard.

(b) The following types of practices are approved for contour farming:

1. Cost-sharing is limited to the establishment of a contour farming system and the necessary removal of obstacles such as fences, stone walls, or hedgerows where applicable.

2. Cost-sharing is authorized for subsurface drains needed to eliminate spot seepage on five percent or greater slopes where the seepage makes cross-slope tillage impractical. Subsurface drains may be the sole component if spot seepage develops and makes cross-slope tillage impractical in existing contour farming.

(c) The following special conditions are applicable to contour farming:

1. All agricultural operations must be performed as nearly as practicable on the contour.

2. On acreage devoted to row crops, one of the following must apply:

i. The crop stubble or crop residue must be left standing over the winter;

ii. A winter cover crop must be established;

iii. Adequate protective tillage operations must be performed.

3. This practice is not applicable on any acreage that is approved under stripcropping.

4. Cost-sharing is not authorized for repeating any approved measure under this practice with the same person on the same acreage.

(d) The acreage approved in the established system or an approximate equal acreage shall be maintained for a minimum of eight years after year of establishment.

N.J. Admin. Code § 2:90-2.7