Field*A*Syst
Field*A*Syst is a series of work sheets and fact sheets that help identify and offer ways to reduce the risk of groundwater contamination associated with pesticide and nitrogen fertilizer use. These infield risk assessment tools are based on the highly popular Farm*A*Syst program which is used to evaluate farmstead practices and structures that may pose a risk to groundwater.
Currently, Field*A*Syst materials are available for the following topics:
- General Pesticide & Nutrient Management Work Sheets
- General Irrigation Management
- Field Screening Work Sheets
- Corn Nutrient & Pesticide Management
The general pesticide, nutrient, and irrigation management packages focus on practices such as: split nitrogen application, nitrate testing, pesticide selection, sprayer calibration, and pesticide safety.
The field screening work sheet helps evaluate the impact of soils, subsurface geology, cropping practices, depth to the water table on the relative vulnerability of the fields you manage. The idea is that if you are going to try using a groundwater stewardship practice, you'll get the biggest benefit using it on your most valuable fields.
The corn-specific materials are designed to integrate MSU Extension bulletins and recommendations into a single fact sheet and use the same easy Farm*A*Syst question and answer format to help you apply the recommendations to your own fields.
Just like Farm*A*Syst, the Field*A*Syst program is voluntary and confidential. All of the materials stay with you on your farm.
Technical Assistance Available
If you'd like, a Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program technician can work with you to complete the Field*A*Syst work sheets and discuss alternatives which can be implemented to help you reduce the risk of groundwater contamination on your farm.
Some of the practices identified by Field*A*Syst, such as pre-sidedress nitrogen tests, reduce the risk of groundwater contamination and usually results in increased profit margins.
Cost-share opportunities are also being provided on a demonstration basis for practices like using nurse tanks to mix and load in the field or installation of backflow prevention devices on chemigation and fertigation wells.