Applications are now open.
Plant Map 3D helps farmers see how much nitrogen their cover crops have made available for corn uptake — and adjust sidedress rates accordingly.
The technology is available to eligible Chesapeake Bay watershed farmers through a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project funded by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
How Plant Map 3D Works
Multi-species cover crops planted this fall are eligible to participate.
When the cover crop is terminated in spring 2027, a participating agribusiness — either Willard Agri-Service or GROWMARK FS, as selected by the farmer — makes a pass with a spray rig equipped with Plant Map 3D cameras. Those cameras create a high-resolution grid showing the species and biomass of the cover crop stand as it varies across the field.
Plant Map 3D uses those images to create a map showing nitrogen availability across the field, resulting from nitrogen fixation and nitrogen tie-up. The map is provided to the agribusiness, who adjusts sidedress recommendations — optimizing in-season decision-making and economic yield.
What Are the Benefits?
- Custom use of Plant Map 3D through either GROWMARK FS or Willard Agri-Service
- Precise, variable-rate maps for sidedress nitrogen on corn that account for cover crop nitrogen credits
- Cost savings where less nitrogen than initially planned is necessary to achieve the desired yield
Financial Support
- Cover crop mapping is covered by the program, providing access to an emerging technology without added expense.
- Yield warranty payment — if participating in the program causes a loss of income, the project reimburses up to $50 an acre.
- Cost-share for the time spent sidedressing, whether performed by the farmer or the agribusiness.
Requirements
- Location within the Chesapeake Bay watershed project area
- Farm Bill Program eligibility — the same eligibility used for NRCS programs like EQIP and CSP
- An established mixed species cover crop that includes a legume, to be terminated in spring 2027
- Current Nutrient Management Plan for the acres you enroll
How to Apply
Apply online at Conservationgateway.org/plantmap3D, where you'll also find the project area map and detailed program information.
Still Have Questions?
- Willard Agri-Service — Mike Twining · miket@willardag.com · 302-270-9081
- GROWMARK FS — Chris Metz · cmetz@growmarkfs.com · 410-490-0784
- The Nature Conservancy — Amanda Bunn · amanda.bunn@tnc.org · 610-314-0201
This project is part of a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project funded by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service that supports other public and private organizations to advance the implementation of conservation practices on agricultural land. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.