Subject: Light Disking as a Management Option on CRP Fields

Light disking operations have been approved by the Kansas State Farm Service Agency (FSA) Committee as a management option for certain CRP practices. Light disking will be effective as an option in Kansas on July 1, 2005. However, a disking operation cannot actually be performed until after plant dormancy in the fall due to policy.

When light disking operations are included as management options in conservation plans, the Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (645) practice will be referenced. The following practice narrative will be used when planning light disking operations:

Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (645)
Light disking can be performed on established CRP fields to promote early successional vegetation in order to create plant diversity that will benefit wildlife. Disking depth will be no more than three inches and at least 25 percent of the grass stand will remain alive. Light disking operations can begin after plant dormancy in the fall and must be completed prior to April 15. Disking operations will be performed in accordance with Kansas CRP policy.

This practice must also meet all criteria identified in FSA 2-CRP Handbook and FSA Notice CRP-282, until disposed or supplemented.

/s/

HAROLD L. KLAEGE
State Conservationist

DIST: A, F, S, FSA (3), Benfer, Ungerer (SCC), Aslin (KFS), Schroeder (KDWP)