Ohio farmers: enroll in H2Ohio to protect waterways and reduce pollution
REYNOLDSBURG — Farmers in 10 counties within the Western Lake Erie Basin can now enroll in H2Ohio's agriculture incentive program, according to an announcement from the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
The program, which launched March 24, allows producers in Crawford, Erie, Huron, Marion, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Shelby and Wyandot counties to enroll or re-enroll their land in best management practices aimed at improving water quality.
To participate, farmers must have an up-to-date soil test and develop an approved Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan. Available practices include overwintering cover, subsurface phosphorus placement and manure incorporation and utilization.
To date, more than 3,200 producers have enrolled 2.2 million acres in H2Ohio statewide. In northwest Ohio, approximately 43% of cropland in the Western Lake Erie Basin is enrolled in the program.
'The agricultural community in Ohio has shown us time and time again they are dedicated to doing their part to improve water quality,' ODA Director Brian Baldridge said in the release. 'We are asking farmers to step up once more and continue their commitment to reducing nutrients and protecting Ohio's waterways for future generations, and we strongly encourage farmers who have not enrolled in H2Ohio before to talk with their county SWCD.'
Farmers interested in applying should contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District and provide up-to-date soil tests. Those who enroll will receive support to develop and implement Voluntary Nutrient Management Plans, which encourage better utilization of nutrients applied.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture works closely with county Soil and Water Conservation Districts to administer participant contracts, provide technical assistance and support producers with the implementation of best management practices.
H2Ohio, launched in 2019, is a statewide water quality initiative designed to address complex issues impacting Ohio's waters. The program uses a comprehensive approach guided by science and data to reduce algal blooms, stop pollution and improve access to clean drinking water.
This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct or share your thoughts at http://bit.ly/3RapUkA with our News Automation and AI team.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Farmers in 10 counties can enroll in H2Ohio agriculture program
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