The Beaver Watershed Alliance is proud to announce the kick-off of Project BEACON: Biochar Evaluation Across Catchments for Outreach and Nutrient management.
This cooperative project aims to support producers and operations in the Brush Creek watershed area while improving soil and watershed health. In partnership with the Spier Lab at the University of Arkansas, Arkansas Discovery Farms, Arkansas Water Resources Center and the Carbon Chicken Project, this initiative evaluates biochar-amended poultry litter as an innovative solution to reduce nutrient runoff. By linking on-farm conservation practices to nearly three years of baseline water quality data, the project aims to provide measurable evidence of improvements in downstream water quality.
We are currently seeking 15 producers within the Brush Creek watershed to participate in our 2026–2028 pilot study. Selected producers will receive free biochar-amended poultry litter applications to a portion of their fields along with a Conservation Incentive Payment based on acres enrolled. This is a voluntary, non-regulatory research partnership designed to support farmers with the tools and resources needed to improve on-farm operations and protect our critical drinking water resources.
To learn more or to request a site visit, contact Eric Cummings, Ag Specialist, email eric@beaverwatershedalliance.org or call/text 479-750-8007.
