Best Management Plans • If a USDA-NRCS or other formal Conservation Plan was submitted for a particular field with the bid proposal, use the USDA-NRCS Conservation Plan and follow Best Management Practices forAgriculture during the term of the agreement, including, at a minimum, adherence to the items referenced below. • If a USDA-NRCS or other formal Conservation Plan was not submitted with the bid for the particular field, follow best management practices for agriculture in accordance with the CT Department of Agriculture and CT DEEP during the term of the lease, including, at a minimum, adherence to theitems referenced below. Maintenance/ Improvement of Soil Organic Carbon Levels • Green manures and cover crops are required unless there is inadequate time to establish a cover crop postharvest. If no cover crop is applied, Lessee is to provide an explanation. For Lessees that would like assistance choosing cover crops, the Lessee is encouraged to contact the Town . • Organic mulching to protect against erosion and soil crusting, and to replenish soil organic matteris encouraged. • Use of manure and compost is encouraged. The Lessee will refrain from long-term storage of manure on the site unless adequate manure storage facilities are constructed and maintained. • Reduced tillage practices are encouraged. • Supplemental fertilization with synthetic fertilizers is discouraged. • Fertilizer applications are to be applied per soil test lab recommendations. Modifications to the lab recommendations may be allowed with a written explanation. • Any application by the Lessee or their agent of sewage sludge or other treated residuals from wastewater treatment (biosolids) on the subject property is expressly prohibited, and will result in the termination of the Lease, immediately authorizing the Licensor to re-enter and repossess said property without legal process. Cropland Soil Testing • Soil tests are to be performed once per year, at the same time of year (fall testing recommended).The soil test is to include Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous, and Potassium, as well as percent organic matter. In addition, recommendations from the testing lab for the aforementioned elements are to be obtained. Testing for and addressing deficiencies in additional elements is encouraged. • The Lessee may choose the lab they prefer. The UCONN Nutrient Analysis Laboratory is an option. Pest Control • Intercropping and companion planting is encouraged. • Biological pest control practices are encouraged. • Biorational pesticides include oils, insecticidal soaps, microbials (such as Bacillus thurengienesis and entomopathogenic nematodes), botanicals (plant-based) and insect growth regulators are preferred. • Best agricultural sanitation practices are to be followed to reduce the spread of pests, weedsor agricultural disease. • The use of synthetic pesticides is not permitted unless authorized by the Town . • All Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) sheets for scheduled applications of pesticides are to be provided to the Agricultural Committee prior to application for review when submitting yearlyreporting forms. For non-scheduled applications of pesticides, all MSDS sheets are to be provided to the Agricultural Committee with the yearly reporting form. • All pesticides must be applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and/or according to cooperative extension recommendations. • The use of Atrazine or its agent is expressly prohibited on the subject property, and will result in the termination of the Lease, immediately authorizing the Licensor to re-enter and repossess said property without legal process. Crops • The Town encourages lessees to seek out alternatives to genetically modified crops. Animals • The keeping of animals on the property is allowed with written consent of the Town. Erosion Control • Notify the Town of erosion issues as they arise and take immediate measures to effectively control the erosion to the satisfaction of the Planning Department.
