Agricultural Irrigation

Assistance is provided for irrigation systems evaluations, recommendations for improving systems efficiency, design of; underground mainlines, micro or drip systems and irrigation water management.

Agricultural Engineering Practices

Technical assistance is provided for the design and construction of grassed waterways, diversions, field drainage, Agricultural Handling Facilities and other engineering practices to control soil erosion, sedimentation and nonpoint source pollution.

Technical Assistance

Planning, surveying, design, layout, and supervision of practice installation including:

• Farm Conservation Practices
• Technical Assistance
• Planning, surveying, design, layout, and supervision of practice installation including:
  • Farm Conservation Practices
  • Soil Erosion Control - including waterways, diversions, terraces, land smoothing and plant material data sheets.
  • Ponds – Management Recommendations.
  • Drainage Systems – Recommendations.
  • Agronomic Systems.
  • Irrigation Systems – Designs of Mainlines, Drip and Micro-Sprinkler
  • Systems and Management recommendations.
  • Agricultural Waste Systems.

All conservation practices must be installed according to USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Standards and Specifications. Soil Erosion Control - including waterways, diversions, terraces, land smoothing and plant material data sheets.

Agronomic Practices

Recommendations such as crop rotations and establishment of annual cover crops, are provided to help reduce soil erosion, improve soil quality and increase crop yields.

Nonpoint Source Pollution Control

Assistance is provided to agricultural producers for pest and nutrient management techniques which reduce the potential leaching of agricultural chemicals into the groundwater. Assistance is also provided to municipalities for reducing pollutant loading into surface water bodies from stormwater runoff.

Invasive Species

Invasive species are non-native (to the ecosystem in which they are introduced) plant, animal, insect, or microbe which causes or are likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm human health. These species are responsible highest declines in biodiversity next to development and in 1998, it was estimated that damages and subsequent control activities totaled over $138 billion. In an effort to help reduce the impacts of invasive species on agriculture and biodiversity, the District provides technical assistance on invasive species identification and management to growers, agencies, non-profit organizations and the general public. Further information on invasive species including the Suffolk County “Do Not Sell List” can be found at the Suffolk County Invasive Species Advisory Board link.

Native Plants

Native plants are critical structure of natural habitats providing food and shelter for pollinators, mammals, and insects while protecting soil, water, and air resources from erosion, pollution and degradation. The District provides native plant technical assistance on selecting appropriate species reflective of site conditions, plant requirements/tolerances, and management goals for agricultural and habitat restoration practices.