Grain Ecosystem

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides technical support to farmers, ranchers, and landowners to help them implement conservation practices on working lands. Its mission is to support productive agriculture while protecting natural resources like soil, water, air, and wildlife.  

One of NRCS’s primary tools for delivering support is the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Through EQIP, producers can receive financial assistance to adopt conservation practices that address specific resource concerns —such as erosion, nutrient runoff, or soil health— while maintaining the productivity of their land. 

Every conservation practice supported by EQIP is defined in a technical document called a Conservation Practice Standard (CPS). These standards specify the purpose, design, eligibility, and requirements for each conservation activity the NRCS supports. 

In 2022, NRCS officially adopted CPS Code 336: Soil Carbon Amendment, a pivotal move that expands federal support for the application of compost and biochar to agricultural lands. This standard provides a clear technical framework for using carbon-based amendments to improve soil health, sequester carbon, and support climate-resilient farming.  

For farmers, producers, forest stewards, and especially biochar and compost project developers, Code 336 offers both technical validation and access to funding through programs like EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program). Here’s how Code 336 can become a game-changer for your biochar projects. 

This Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) applies to the use of carbon-based amendments made from plant materials or processed animal byproducts. It includes compost, biochar, and other regionally appropriate carbon-rich materials. 

For compost and biochar facilities, this program represents a clear revenue opportunity. Since the USDA reimburses agricultural producers for purchasing finished materials, facility owners can benefit directly.  

The primary way NRCS provides official reimbursement rates for Code 336 is through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). These rates vary by state and are updated annually to reflect local costs for materials, labor, and other factors.  

The exact amount your project can receive depends on several factors, such as your location, the acreage of  land, and the specific conservation plan developed with NRCS. To get an exact estimate for your project, it is important to contact your local NRCS Service Center, or state office. You can find contact information for Service Centers 

If you would like to explore approximate rates on your own, follow these steps: 

Select “Payment Schedules”, choose your state and county, and select the option including “EQIP” under the "Cost List Name" section, then click “Search”. 

Click the button for “CSV Export” to open a spreadsheet of the data, or the list is ordered by the Practice code number, so scroll down to where “Practice Code” is 336 and “Practice Name” is Soil Carbon Amendment.  

Payment rates are often broken down under various scenarios, such as different compositions of biochar and compost mixtures. These payments are designed to help offset a portion of the costs associated with purchasing materials, transporting them, and applying them. It’s also important to note that 

 may qualify for higher reimbursement rates. 

For example, here are the reimbursement rates for New Castle County, Delaware: 

While Code 336 has been adopted at the federal level, each state must independently approve and implement it for it to be available through NRCS programs like EQIP. As of April 2025, adoption has been widespread and only three states have not yet adopted Code 336: Alabama, North Dakota, and South Dakota. 

To quickly see if your state has adopted the standard, refer to 

 created by the U.S. Biochar Initiative (USBI). You can also instead check the “practice scenarios” listed in the USDA EQIP Payment Schedules webpage (

) for more information on how Code 336 is supported in your state. 

Carbon amendments must be tested and documented for physical and chemical characteristics. Details are listed in Table 1 at the end of this article, which outlines required parameters such as moisture, pH, nutrient content, and heavy metals including arsenic, cadmium, and lead. 

While the USDA defines certain criteria for biochar eligibility, if your product complies with any of the standards we work with —Verra VCS, Puro.Earth, Climate Action Reserve, or Isometric— you’re on the right track for meeting both quality and eligibility requirements. 

Incorporating biochar should be done with care to avoid wind dispersal and ensure worker safety. Applications should be timed to minimize environmental risk. 

2. Request assistance developing a Conservation Plan. 

NRCS provides landowners with free technical advice for their land.  

guide you through the application process for financial assistance. This includes completing form AD-1026 to confirm a conservation plan is in place and to protect wetlands, along with other eligibility requirements. Once those steps are done, you’ll complete the main application form (CPA-1200). Although applications are accepted year-round, they’re reviewed during specific ranking periods—so be sure to check the deadlines with your local NRCS office. 

To determine your eligibility for financial assistance, you'll need to provide a tax ID (such as a Social Security Number or Employer ID), proof of land control (like a deed or lease), and a farm number. If you don’t have a farm number, you can get one from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), usually located in the same office as NRCS. A farm number is only required if you're applying for financial assistance. 

5. Sign the contract and implement your plan. 

If you're selected and choose to sign the contract, NRCS will provide you with the specific standards and a timeline for implementation. After the approved work is completed and successfully passes inspection, you'll receive payment at the agreed-upon rate, as long as it meets NRCS requirements. 

Navigating the Challenges of NRCS Code 336 

While NRCS Code 336 presents a significant opportunity for enhancing soil health through the application of biochar and compost, several challenges may arise during its implementation:   

Implementing soil carbon amendments often requires substantial initial investment from farmers. Although it provides reimbursement, these payments are typically disbursed after the practice has been implemented and certified, necessitating farmers to cover costs upfront.   

NRCS field offices may face constraints in staffing and resources, which can lead to delays in conservation planning, application processing, and technical assistance. Such limitations can hinder timely implementation and support for Code 336 projects.   

EQIP applications are evaluated and ranked based on environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness. Practices like Code 336 may face stiff competition from other conservation initiatives, potentially affecting the likelihood of funding approval. Understanding the ranking criteria and aligning project goals accordingly is crucial for success.   

The process from application to reimbursement can be lengthy, involving conservation planning, practice implementation, certification, and payment processing. These extended timelines may pose cash flow challenges for farmers awaiting reimbursement.  

Addressing these challenges requires proactive planning, clear communication with NRCS representatives, and a thorough understanding of program requirements. Engaging with local NRCS offices early in the process can help mitigate potential obstacles and facilitate successful implementation of Code 336 practices. 

We also recommend this panel presented by Candiss Williams, USDA NRCS National Soil Health Specialist, on Code 336. The session was part of her keynote at the 2024 North American Biochar Conference in Sacramento, California, where Grain also participated as a sponsor and speaker. 

Another great resource is the webinar “NRCS Code 336: Selling More Compost to Farmers,” hosted by the US Composting Council.  

Table 1. Parameters for All Carbon Amendments. Source: Soil Carbon Amendment Code 336  

Table 3. Parameters for Biochar Amendments. Source: Soil Carbon Amendment Code 336 

Table3nrcs

A U.S. program that offers USDA-funded reimbursements for the use of biochar and compost in agriculture. 

origination

carbon_partner_plus

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The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides technical support to farmers, ranchers, and landowners to help them implement conservation practices on working lands. Its mission is to support productive agriculture while protecting natural resources like soil, water, air, and wildlife.  One of NRCS’s primary tools for delivering support is the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Through EQIP, producers can receive financial assistance to adopt conservation practices that address specific resource concerns —such as erosion, nutrient runoff, or soil health— while maintaining the productivity of their land. Every conservation practice supported by EQIP is defined in a technical document called a Conservation Practice Standard (CPS). These standards specify the purpose, design, eligibility, and requirements for each conservation activity the NRCS supports. In 2022, NRCS officially adopted CPS Code 336: Soil Carbon Amendment, a pivotal move that expands federal support for the application of compost and biochar to agricultural lands. This standard provides a clear technical framework for using carbon-based amendments to improve soil health, sequester carbon, and support climate-resilient farming.  For farmers, producers, forest stewards, and especially biochar and compost project developers, Code 336 offers both technical validation and access to funding through programs like EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program). Here’s how Code 336 can become a game-changer for your biochar projects. <h2>What Does NRCS CPS Code 336 Cover? </h2>This Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) applies to the use of carbon-based amendments made from plant materials or processed animal byproducts. It includes compost, biochar, and other regionally appropriate carbon-rich materials. <h3>Key Goals: </h3><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Improve or maintain soil organic matter </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Sequester carbon and enhance soil carbon stocks </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Improve soil aggregate stability </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Improve habitat for soil organisms1 </li></ul><h3>Eligible Land Types: </h3><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Crop, pasture, and range land </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Forested land </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Farmsteads and associated agricultural lands </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Developed land, when used for conservation purposes </li></ul>For compost and biochar facilities, this program represents a clear revenue opportunity. Since the USDA reimburses agricultural producers for purchasing finished materials, facility owners can benefit directly.  <h3>How Much Does It Cover? </h3>The primary way NRCS provides official reimbursement rates for Code 336 is through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). These rates vary by state and are updated annually to reflect local costs for materials, labor, and other factors.  The exact amount your project can receive depends on several factors, such as your location, the acreage of  land, and the specific conservation plan developed with NRCS. To get an exact estimate for your project, it is important to contact your local NRCS Service Center, or state office. You can find contact information for Service Centers <a href="https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>, and state offices <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/state-offices" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>. If you would like to explore approximate rates on your own, follow these steps: 1. Visit the <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/payment-schedules" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NRCS payment schedules page here</a>. 2. Select “Payment Schedules”, choose your state and county, and select the option including “EQIP” under the "Cost List Name" section, then click “Search”. 3. Click the button for “CSV Export” to open a spreadsheet of the data, or the list is ordered by the Practice code number, so scroll down to where “Practice Code” is 336 and “Practice Name” is Soil Carbon Amendment.  Payment rates are often broken down under various scenarios, such as different compositions of biochar and compost mixtures. These payments are designed to help offset a portion of the costs associated with purchasing materials, transporting them, and applying them. It’s also important to note that <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/AK-Historically-Underserved-Fact-Sheet-Oct2022.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Historically Underserved (HU) producers</a> may qualify for higher reimbursement rates. For example, here are the reimbursement rates for New Castle County, Delaware: <ul class="bullet"><li value=1>100% Biochar: $1457.45 per acre  </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Biochar and compost mixture: $777.56 per acre  </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Compost Only: $289.3 per acre </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>HU – 100% Biochar: $1748.93 per acre  </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>HU - Biochar and compost mixture: $933.08 per acre  </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>HU - Compost Only: $347.17 per acre </li></ul><h3>Is Code 336 Active in Your State? </h3>While Code 336 has been adopted at the federal level, each state must independently approve and implement it for it to be available through NRCS programs like EQIP. As of April 2025, adoption has been widespread and only three states have not yet adopted Code 336: Alabama, North Dakota, and South Dakota. To quickly see if your state has adopted the standard, refer to <a href="https://biochar-us.org/sites/default/files/USDA-NRCS-Code_336-Adoption-FY25-map.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this map</a> created by the U.S. Biochar Initiative (USBI). You can also instead check the “practice scenarios” listed in the USDA EQIP Payment Schedules webpage (<a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/payment-schedules" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>) for more information on how Code 336 is supported in your state. <h2>Criteria for Implementation </h2>General Requirements: <ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Soil testing must be conducted prior to application using certified labs. </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Key soil properties must be evaluated: pH, texture, organic matter, nutrient levels, and cation exchange capacity. </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>The application must comply with all federal, state, and local regulations. </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Practices must avoid environmental harm such as runoff, erosion, or contamination. </li></ul>Carbon amendments must be tested and documented for physical and chemical characteristics. Details are listed in Table 1 at the end of this article, which outlines required parameters such as moisture, pH, nutrient content, and heavy metals including arsenic, cadmium, and lead. <h2>Biochar-Specific Guidance </h2>While the USDA defines certain criteria for biochar eligibility, if your product complies with any of the standards we work with —Verra VCS, Puro.Earth, Climate Action Reserve, or Isometric— you’re on the right track for meeting both quality and eligibility requirements. Biochar must: <ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Be produced via pyrolysis or gasification at temperatures over 350°C, in limited-oxygen conditions. </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Meet quality benchmarks outlined by the <a href="https://www.european-biochar.org/media/doc/2/wbc_1_1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">World Biochar Certificate (WBC) Guidelines*</a> or equivalent Land Grant University (LGU) methods. *Note: Code 336, published in 2022, references the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) Standard Version 2.1. However, this document was officially retired in April 2024 and replaced by the updated WBC Guidance. </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Document origin, feedstock, temperature, and production process. </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Report key metrics, including the H:Corg ratio, organic carbon content, and potential contaminants, as specified in Table 3 at the end of the article. </li></ul>Incorporating biochar should be done with care to avoid wind dispersal and ensure worker safety. Applications should be timed to minimize environmental risk. <h2>How to Apply </h2>1. Contact your local NRCS office.  You can find it with the <a href="https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NRCS Service Center Locator</a> 2. Request assistance developing a Conservation Plan. NRCS provides landowners with free technical advice for their land.  Amendment plans must include: <ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Purpose of practice </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Assessment of soil health resource concerns using State-approved tools for the appropriate land use </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Soil test results  </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Map and site description </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Aerial photos </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Soil survey map of the site </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Soil and plant information </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Complete amendment analysis </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Application rate, method, timing, and when applicable, method of incorporation </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Monitoring plans to evaluate effectiveness </li></ul>3. Start an application.  The NRCS will guide you through the application process for financial assistance. This includes completing form AD-1026 to confirm a conservation plan is in place and to protect wetlands, along with other eligibility requirements. Once those steps are done, you’ll complete the main application form (CPA-1200). Although applications are accepted year-round, they’re reviewed during specific ranking periods—so be sure to check the deadlines with your local NRCS office. To determine your eligibility for financial assistance, you'll need to provide a tax ID (such as a Social Security Number or Employer ID), proof of land control (like a deed or lease), and a farm number. If you don’t have a farm number, you can get one from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), usually located in the same office as NRCS. A farm number is only required if you're applying for financial assistance. 4. NRCS will rank your application. You can find the Ranking Dates <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ranking-dates" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>. 5. Sign the contract and implement your plan. If you're selected and choose to sign the contract, NRCS will provide you with the specific standards and a timeline for implementation. After the approved work is completed and successfully passes inspection, you'll receive payment at the agreed-upon rate, as long as it meets NRCS requirements. <h2>Navigating the Challenges of NRCS Code 336 </h2>While NRCS Code 336 presents a significant opportunity for enhancing soil health through the application of biochar and compost, several challenges may arise during its implementation:   1. Upfront Investment by Farmers Implementing soil carbon amendments often requires substantial initial investment from farmers. Although it provides reimbursement, these payments are typically disbursed after the practice has been implemented and certified, necessitating farmers to cover costs upfront.    2. Limited NRCS Resources NRCS field offices may face constraints in staffing and resources, which can lead to delays in conservation planning, application processing, and technical assistance. Such limitations can hinder timely implementation and support for Code 336 projects.   3. Competitive Application Ranking EQIP applications are evaluated and ranked based on environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness. Practices like Code 336 may face stiff competition from other conservation initiatives, potentially affecting the likelihood of funding approval. Understanding the ranking criteria and aligning project goals accordingly is crucial for success.   4. Reimbursement Timelines The process from application to reimbursement can be lengthy, involving conservation planning, practice implementation, certification, and payment processing. These extended timelines may pose cash flow challenges for farmers awaiting reimbursement.  Addressing these challenges requires proactive planning, clear communication with NRCS representatives, and a thorough understanding of program requirements. Engaging with local NRCS offices early in the process can help mitigate potential obstacles and facilitate successful implementation of Code 336 practices. <h2>Sources and Additional Resources </h2><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>USDA. (2022). <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-11/336-NHCP-CPS-Soil-Carbon-Amendment-2022.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Conservation Practice Standard. Soil Carbon Amendment. Code 336.</a>   </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1><a href="https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NRCS Field Office Technical Guide.</a> Look for Section 4 - Practice Standards and Supporting Documents. </li></ul><ul class="bullet"><li value=1>Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQUIP). <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/eqip-environmental-quality-incentives#assistance" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Get Assistance</a>. </li></ul>We also recommend this panel presented by Candiss Williams, USDA NRCS National Soil Health Specialist, on Code 336. The session was part of her keynote at the 2024 North American Biochar Conference in Sacramento, California, where Grain also participated as a sponsor and speaker. <a href="https://youtu.be/nF_hXa1RYhQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here to watch the video</a> Another great resource is the webinar “NRCS Code 336: Selling More Compost to Farmers,” hosted by the US Composting Council.  <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/EIkoLe9kAvuWlG05H_hFnMD5s5cd-TbLuX24N29cHLNR276CZGmUr-EMJgjFPv-cFleKtTl8Mh764eW0.5i5yXb2OOQUzjrJ8?accessLevel=meeting&canPlayFromShare=true&from=share_recording_detail&continueMode=true&componentName=rec-play&originRequestUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fus02web.zoom.us%2Frec%2Fshare%2FAPsTPIL0K6OmJnqccOcNWYhNPGey_0XPENTAShI57e9RC-Jvjr0SoYTfCH6WFFc3.OS2-j8FPMTW5eZCV" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here to watch the webinar</a> <h2>Appendix: Data Tables </h2>Table 1. Parameters for All Carbon Amendments. Source: Soil Carbon Amendment Code 336  <img src="/media/Table1nrcs.jpg" alt="Table1nrcs.jpg" width="902" height="759"/>Table 3. Parameters for Biochar Amendments. Source: Soil Carbon Amendment Code 336 <img src="/media/Table3nrcs.jpg" alt="Table3nrcs.jpg" width="908" height="260"/><h2>Related content</h2><ul class="bullet"><li value=1><a href="https://grainecosystem.com/knowledge-hub/articles/688b96782492b585355eb507" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">What Are Tax Credits?</a></li><li value=2><a href="https://grainecosystem.com/knowledge-hub/articles/67092f5e79685344119a953f" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dirt to Dollars. Unearthing the Science of Sustainable Investment</a></li><li value=3><a href="https://grainecosystem.com/knowledge-hub/articles/67b622d723e6759660f11705" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grant Funding Opportunities for Biochar Projects in the USA</a> (Members only)</li><li value=4><a href="https://grainecosystem.com/knowledge-hub/articles/67b75ae223e6759660f119ad" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Advancing CDR: From Start-Up to Scale-Up</a></li><li value=5><a href="https://grainecosystem.com/knowledge-hub/articles/691f75802e09739125056ef9">From Shutdown to Scale-Up: What Federal and State Policy Means for Biochar in 2026</a></li></ul>

Understanding NRCS Code 336: Soil Carbon Amendment