AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — A $3 million federal grant will help encourage new conservation practices by Alabama farmers.
A statement from Auburn University said the college of agriculture is getting the money to help row farms through an Agriculture Department program.
Many soils in the state are low in organic matter and need rebuilding, and farms also need assistance with irrigation practices, which are important because of summertime droughts, said project leader Rishi Prasad. The program will additionally help farmers evaluate how much commercial fertilizers are being lost in the environment.
Three farms in different parts of the state will be used to demonstrate new conservation practices, and learning sites will be established at Alabama Extension offices located in Lawrence, Geneva and Lee counties, said Audrey Gamble, an assistant professor an extension specialist.