Agriculture Cost Share Program Definitions

Definitions

Center Pivot Retrofits:

The producer must first select a Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL) vendor to test the irrigation system. The MIL selected must follow the latest version of the MIL Handbook as developed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Office of Agricultural Water Policy. Deliverables should include at a minimum: A uniformity score (Weighted Distribution and Christiansen’s), recommendations to improve irrigation uniformity, and a laminated sprinkler chart with center pivot information. The selected MIL must also update the State of Florida MIL program website in accordance with FDACS Office of Agricultural Water Policy guidelines. The District will only reimburse for equipment recommended by the MIL and only for equipment considered newer technology. The District will not reimburse for equipment considered maintenance.  Equipment eligible for reimbursement includes more efficient nozzle packages, such as Senninger IWOBs or Nelson Rotators, pressure regulators, drop down hoses, adjusting end guns and other associated water savings features. For reimbursement, the producer must provide a copy of the paid invoice, cancelled check (front and back) or some verifiable form of payment, copies of the pre- and post-MIL evaluations, and pictures of the pivot before, during and after the retrofit. 

Soil Moisture Probes and Service Agreements:

Soil moisture probes (or sensors) measure the soil moisture and electrical conductivity at varying depths within the soil profile, providing real-time data that allows the producer to make informed decisions on when to irrigate and how much irrigation water is needed. This technology when applied properly results in a more efficient and effective use of irrigation water in responding to the crops moisture needs. Probe installation should provide a remote access data platform and a service agreement to help the producer implement the technology. Cost-share is limited to 90% up to $2,000/probe. For reimbursement, the producer must provide a copy of the paid invoice, cancelled check (front and back) or some verifiable form of payment to the vendor, installation locations, proof of data reporting, and pictures of the installed probe. For this item one unit is one probe. 

Centralized and Remote Monitoring/Controlling of Equipment:

Remote monitoring and controlling of irrigation equipment is used to assist producers with advanced monitoring and scheduling of irrigation events. This equipment provides the producer with real-time remote irrigation/weather information which alerts the producer of issues and allows for improved visibility on water usage and efficiency resulting in an overall water savings. For reimbursement, the producer must provide a copy of the paid invoice and cancelled check (front and back) or some verifiable form of payment to vendor providing the equipment. District staff must also verify and photo document the equipment. 

Fertigation Tank System:

A fertigation tank system allows the producer to apply fertilizer through their existing irrigation infrastructure. The fertigation system should include a chemical storage tank, injector pump, safety valves, backflow prevention, trailer (for portable units) and associated plumbing. For reimbursement, the producer must provide a copy of the paid invoice and cancelled check (front and back) or some verifiable form of payment to vendor providing the equipment. District staff must also verify and photo document the equipment.

Variable Frequency Drive Pump (VFD):

Variable frequency drive pumps control flow rates based on pressure which allows the producer to conserve water by optimally managing flow to the irrigation distribution system. VFD pumps also reduce water loss due to irrigation system blowouts.  For reimbursement, the producer must provide a copy of the paid invoice and cancelled check (front and back) or some verifiable form of payment to vendor providing the equipment. District staff must also verify and photo document the equipment. 

Veris Mapping: 

Veris mapping produces precise maps of field soil characteristics which allows producers to manage zones within their fields based on variations in soil types and soil characteristics. Cost-share is limited to 75% of cost up to $10/acre for a one-time mapping.  For reimbursement, the producer must provide a copy of the soil map, the paid invoice, and canceled check (front and back) or some verifiable form of payment to the vendor providing the service.  For this item one unit is one acre.

Aerial Imagery:

Aerial imagery provides information to pinpoint individual areas of poor crop performance within management zones across fields. This technology allows growers to tailor nutrient approaches to specific areas, rather than apply a broad application. Cost-share is limited to 75% of cost up to $5/acre/images, 5 images/field/year.  For reimbursement, the producer must provide a copy of the imagery, the paid invoice, and canceled check (front and back) or some verifiable form of payment to the vendor providing the service. For this item one unit is one acre.

Grid Soil Sampling:

Grid soil sampling allows growers to manage nutrient application in as small a unit as 2.5 acres by having a soil nutrient analysis taken on 2.5-acre grids. Grid sampling can be conducted in straight grids, or alternatively to scientifically delineated zones. Grid-based soil analysis assists growers with advancing the “Four R’s” (right source, right amount, right place, right time) by applying the needed nutrient at the right time in the right place. Cost-share is limited to 75% up to $7/acre/year. Straight grids shall be no larger than 10 acres and no smaller than 2.5 acres. When cost-sharing this item, the applicant must variable rate apply nutrients (see below: Variable Rate Nutrient Application) at least once in the season if the sample analysis recommends a variable rate application. For reimbursement, the producer must provide a copy of the sampling map, lab report for the sampling event, the paid invoice, and canceled check (front and back) or some verifiable form of payment to the vendor providing the service. For this item one unit is one acre.

Variable Rate Nutrient Application:

Variable rate nutrient application allows growers to have nutrients applied to their fields at a variable rate based upon the results and recommendations of a grid soil sample analysis (see above: Grid Soil Sampling). Variable rate nutrient application allows growers to advance the “Four R’s” (right source, right amount, right place, right time) by applying the needed nutrient at the right place, thus eliminating unnecessary nutrient application, and optimizing plant growth efficiency. Cost-share is limited to 75% up to $7/acre/application, 2 applications/year. For reimbursement, the producer must provide a copy of the prescription map, the paid invoice, and canceled check (front and back) or some verifiable form of payment to the vendor providing the service. For this item one unit is one acre.

Tissue Sampling:

Tissue sampling is a crop management tool that allows growers to make informed decisions with regard to nutrient application by determining their crops nutrient need at various stages of development. This practice assists growers in advancing the “Four R’s” (right source, right amount, right place, right time) by applying the needed nutrient at the right time in the right place and reducing unnecessary nutrient application while maximizing production efficiency. Cost-share is limited to 75% up to $20/sample, 1 sample/5 acres. These samples must be geo-referenced. For reimbursement, the producer must provide a copy of the sampling map, lab report for the sampling event, the paid invoice, and canceled check (front and back) or some verifiable form of payment to the vendor providing the service. For this item one unit is one acre.

Side Dressing Equipment:

Side dressing equipment allows growers to apply nutrients at an optimum placement in the field, either directly in the crop row or banded alongside the crop row, resulting in an overall reduction in nutrient application. This practice assists growers in advancing the “Four R’s” (right source, right amount, right place, right time) by applying the needed nutrient at the right place in the field. Cost-share is limited to 75% up to $50,000 per implement unless otherwise agreed to by the District. The District must pre-approve equipment to be purchased.  For reimbursement, the producer must provide a copy of the paid invoice and canceled check (front and back) or some verifiable form of payment to the vendor providing the equipment.  District staff must also verify and photo document equipment. For this item, one unit is one piece of side dressing equipment.   The $100,000 per year maximum is waived in the event an implement exceeds that cost.

Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI):

Variable rate irrigation technology involves a pivot system upgrade that allows area specific management of water, allowing growers to apply the right amount of water at the right time using varying rates of irrigation water based upon individual management zones within fields rather than at one uniform 

rate, resulting in more efficient use of water. This practice assists growers in advancing the “Four R’s” (right source, right amount, right place, right time) by applying the right amount of water at the right place. Cost-share is limited to 75% up to $50,000/system. For reimbursement, the producer must provide a copy of the paid invoice and cancelled check (front and back) or some verifiable form of payment to the vendor providing the equipment.  District staff must also verify and photo document equipment. For this item one unit is one irrigation system.