There a miles of drain tile running under the fields of Pitt County and although they control drainage issues, they are also a source of nitrogen runoff. A water management practice that has been shown to improve water quailty from subsurface drainage systems is an in-line tile water control structure, or simply a tile box. Properly using a tile box allows you to control the water surface elevations and discharge from surface and subsurface drainage systems, such as a tile line. Managing the drainage water coming off an ag production site can result in the following: water quality improvement, improving the soil environment for vegetative growth, reducing the rate of soil organic matter oxidation, reduction in wind erosion, and enabling seasonal soil saturation and/or shallow flooding. This practice applies to areas that meet the following conditions: a high water table exist, field has relatively smooth topography, water table may be maintained without excessive seepage and without having adverse impact on adjoining properties, and the field has subsurface drainage systems. The N.C. Agriculture Cost Share Program does provide assistance on this practice, if you are interested or want to learn more please feel free to contact us. 

Davenport Farms of the Pactolus community in Pitt County was selected as the state winner for Conservation Farm Family. Each year, conservation districts across the state can nominate a farming entity that exhibits sound conservation practices in their daily farming operation. The Davenport's have worked with the Pitt County Conservation team for many years, developing their first Conservation Plan in 1983. Many conservation techniques, including waterways, field borders, no-till, ground and surface water protection, wildlife improvement areas, and selective timber harvesting contributed to their selection for the award. They were recognized at the NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts annual meeting in January and an award ceremony was given by the Pitt Soil and Water Office at Yankee Hall Plantation. Many national, state, and local leaders were present at the celebration to honor the Davenport's for the much deserved award.