The New Frontier of Soil Wealth
Stacking Code 336 with the USDA Regenerative Pilot Program
Learn how to turn "Whole Farm" assessments into permanent soil assets. Discover the most powerful funding stack available for building long-term soil infrastructure with biochar.
Why "Stacking" is the Future of Funding
Agriculture is shifting from isolated fixes to holistic systems
Key Insight: The new Regenerative Pilot Program changes the math by focusing on bundled outcomes. By stacking Code 336 (Biochar/Compost) within a Whole Farm Plan, you align with the program's core goal: measurable, long-term resource regeneration.
| Feature | Traditional Approach | Stacked Regenerative Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Single Field / Single Problem | Whole Farm / Holistic System |
| Funding | Isolated Contracts | Bundled Funding (EQIP + CSP) |
| Goal | Fix Erosion or Nutrient Loss | Build Permanent Soil Carbon & Water Resilience |
| Application | Multiple forms per practice | Single "Streamlined" Regenerative Application |
Code 336: The Hardware of Soil Health
Soil Carbon Amendment - Your Foundation for Permanent Change
What Is Code 336?
While cover crops and rotation are the "software" of regenerative agriculture, Code 336 provides the "hardware."
It funds the application of biochar and compost to fundamentally alter your soil's physics and chemistry.
Why It's a Game Changer
- Permanence: Unlike crop residue that oxidizes in a season, biochar is recalcitrant carbon that stays in your soil for centuries
- Drought Proofing: Acts as a "coral reef" for soil microbes and a sponge for water
- Nutrient Battery: Captures mobile nutrients (N, P, K) preventing leaching
Pro Tip: Biochar significantly raises your soil's Water Holding Capacity (WHC), keeping nutrients plant-available through drought conditions.
The Economics of Code 336
Current NRCS Payment Scenarios
Biochar & Compost Mix
100% Biochar Application
EQIP + CSP Funding
Historically Underserved Producers
Higher payment rates available! 100% Biochar rates can reach $1,700+ per acre for qualified producers.
State Variations
Rates vary by state and fiscal year. Always check your state's current payment schedule at your local NRCS office.
USDA Regenerative Pilot Program
The Streamlined Path to Funding - Launched FY2026
What is RPP?
The RPP is designed to cut red tape and focus on outcomes.
It utilizes $700 million in EQIP and CSP funding to support "Farmers First" initiatives with a streamlined application process.
Key Requirements That Favor Biochar
Why Biochar Wins: It simultaneously addresses Soil Quality, Water Quality, and Plant Productivity — making your application rank higher for approval.
Why Quality Standards Matter
Not All Carbon Is Created Equal
Certified Quality
NRCS Code 336 requires biochar to meet specific physicochemical properties. Using "home-brewed" or unverified ash can disqualify you from funding.
High Carbon Content
You're paid to sequester carbon. High-grade, forestry-sourced biochar guarantees you're applying stable organic carbon, not fillers.
Consistency
For a Whole Farm Plan, you need a scalable, consistent product that spreads evenly and behaves predictably across all fields.
Critical Requirements
- Low H:C ratio (indicates stable carbon)
- Safe heavy metal limits
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) required for payment certification
Your 5-Step Action Plan
From Application to Application
Whole Farm Assessment
Don't just look at a problem field — look at the whole operation. Where is water retention lowest? Where is nutrient runoff highest? These are your target zones for Code 336.
Submit the Single Regenerative Application
Visit your local NRCS Service Center. List Code 336 as a primary practice and bundle with Code 340 (Cover Crop) or Code 329 (No-Till) for a high-ranking proposal.
Baseline Testing (CEMA 216)
NRCS will fund the required soil health testing. This establishes your "Before" snapshot to measure improvement.
Procure & Apply
Source NRCS-compliant biochar and receive your Certificate of Analysis (COA) to submit for payment certification.
Monitor & Verify
Use RPP's outcome-based reporting to show improvement in soil organic matter and infiltration rates — this sets you up for future CSP enhancement payments.
Ready to Build Permanent Soil Wealth?
The Window Is Open Now
Don't Leave This Funding on the Table
The Regenerative Pilot Program offers a streamlined path to permanent soil infrastructure funding. Combine Code 336 with your whole-farm plan today.
NRCS Service Center
Regenerative Pilot Program
As Primary Practice