Subject: Natural Resources Conservation Service activities concerning Practices CP18B and CP18C Documentation and Guidance.

Reinstatement of CP18B and CP18C continuous signup practices was provided by Farm Service Agency Notice CRP-316 dated October 1, 1998. Natural Resources Conservation Service LTP supplements this notice - CRP 18 Saline Practice for the Northern and Southern Plains dated January 08, 1999. (See attached)

Subject: Practices CP18B and CP18C Documentation and Guidance

Documentation: Saline seep - All criteria listed below needs to be documented. If the data is not available, it will need to be collected prior to application approval. When requested, provide technical assistance with collection. Sample analysis may be done by any recognized laboratory or by NRCS if equipment is available.

Surface Soil with a High Water Table - Collect composite sample of the upper six inches of the surface soil and document analysis for electrical conductivity (EC).

Ground Water - Document analysis of ground water in micromhos. If documentation of ground water is not available, collect a sample of ground water from the area to determine micromhos. If no water table present at the current time, hold application until such time as a sample can be collected or documented.

Soil pH - Take pH reading during the site investigation or collect composite sample of the upper six inches of the surface soil for analysis.

On-site visit is required to document the size of the saline seep and the size of the recharge area. There is no minimum size of the recharge area. The key is that the recharge area to be treated will control the saline seep. If the proposed recharge area to be seeded will not control the seep, then the area is not eligible.

Guidance: During the on-site visit, the possibility that the site is a wetland should be considered. If the potential for a wetland exists, the landowner should request a wetland determination prior to plan approval.

Installation of a buffer can be a part of the plan but is not required.

Remote sensing and other documentation can be used as supporting tools.

Maintain attachment (Saline-Seep Diagnosis, Control, and Reclamation - Conservation Research Report No. 30) from Technical Guidance Number 15, dated October 21, 1998.

This technical guidance notice replaces guidance issued in Kansas Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Technical Guidance Number 15, dated October 21, 1998.

/s/

TOMAS M. DOMINGUEZ
State Conservationist

DIST: A, F, S, NPR, RRT, FSA (2), Cheney PO, Kuiper, Sherraden

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