Ashland SWCD Now Accepting Applications for Nutrient Management Crop Model Programs

Today’s agricultural industry is dramatically different than it was 75 years ago when Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District was founded, and farmers are facing a whole new set of challenges when it comes to protecting our state’s water quality. That’s why the soil and water district is offering new, high-tech computer modeling tools to help Ashland County farmers face those challenges and make the right choices when it comes to nutrient management.

Thanks to the support of Sunrise Cooperative, Land O’Lakes/Winfield United, Yara International, and a water quality initiative grant from the Ohio Farm Bureau, Ashland SWCD is able to offer 100 percent cost share for up to 500 acres of cropland in the Jerome Fork watershed to utilize two such computer models for the 2020 growing season: Winfield’s R7 Field Forescasting Tool and Yara International’s Adapt-N nitrogen model.

“Through crop modeling applications, producers can determine their return on investment, identify correct nutrient application timing and rates and assess the risk of losing those nutrients,” said Ashland SWCD District Technician Erica White. “All of that saves the producers money on fertilizer costs, which ties into improving water quality. The end result is less nutrient runoff when you take a deeper look at timing and rates of applications.”

The Adapt-N model utilizes over 30 years of research from Cornell University on how nitrogen moves spatially through different soil types over time. It factors in how the source of the nitrogen, whether that be from a cover crop, manure application or commercial fertilizer and after taking into account management practices and weather data, it can identify how much nitrogen is actually available to the growing crop, giving producers the information they need to make the best nutrient management decisions possible.

“Adapt-N helps farmers assess how much nitrogen they have available so that they can be more efficient with their in-season nitrogen applications, but also more profitable by increasing the efficiency of their nitrogen dollars,” said Jane Houin, Ashland SWCD district program administrator.

Similarly, Winfield United’s R7 Field Forecasting Tool allows producers to input detailed management data and run different scenarios to determine the best timing, rate and return on investment for nutrient application. This tool uses soil tests, weather, potential yield, growing degree days, tissue tests, etc. to determine how different management decisions and timing are predicted to impact both yield and return on investment.

“Field Forecasting Tool is a predictive model that allows producers to see their investment of nutrient applications and when to apply those applications,” said White. “When using theses crop modeling tools, producers are able to see how the four Rs, right rate, right time, right source and right place, can benefit the bottom dollar for farmers, all while managing nutrients to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff.”

Applications for the crop modeling program are available at www.ashlandswcd.com and will be accepted through March 1. There is a 100 acre maximum on approved acres per producers. 

In addition to Adapt-N and Field Forecasting Tool, Ashland SWCD has also partnered with Ohio State University to bring Ashland County producers access to On-Field Ohio! i—a tool to estimate erosion and phosphorus runoff risk on each individual field. This program allows producers to see the effect management practices can have on their phosphorus runoff risk by comparing how changes in management practices such as tillage equipment, fertilizer placement, and cover crops impact erosion and phosphorus loss. On-Field Ohio is available to all Ashland County producers at no cost.

For questions regarding crop modeling or Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District, call the Ashland SWCD office at 419-281-7645.

About the Author

Emily Wesner is the newest member of the Ashland SWCD team. Serving as the fiscal and communication specialist, she manages the social media and website, creates flyers and mailers, and maintains the finances. Emily graduated from Wilmington College in August with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture concentrating in agricultural communication. She grew up on a grain farm in northern Ashland County where she resides with her fiancé Adam, two dogs: Rosie and Foxie, and kitten Sweet Pea. Emily has a deep passion for family, agriculture and helping the community. She looks forward to growing and learning from producers in her new position!