Fertilizer BMPs Give On-Farm Production a Bump
Ashland County farmers showed tremendous enthusiasm for the statewide H2Ohio agricultural expansion, enrolling over twice as many acres into the program as were originally allocated to the county. That speaks volumes about the commitment of our local farmers to being good stewards of our soil and water resources.
The cornerstone of that expansion program is the planning and implementation of nutrient management plans following the 4Rs nutrient stewardship principles: applying fertilizers at the right rate from the right sources in the right place at the time. Following best management practices (BMPs) for fertilizers is not only good for farmers by bumping on-farm profitability, but it also benefits our community by minimizing the risk of nutrient runoff into our local waterways from farm fields.
Fertilizer BMPs are key tools for farmers trying to optimize crop growth by providing essential nutrients, maintain soil health, enhance economic returns through increased yields, minimize environmental impact by reducing nutrient runoff, ensure food security by boosting agricultural productivity, and aid in adaptation to climate change by optimizing nutrient uptake and crop resilience.
But what happens in our local fields doesn’t just impact individual farmers. For example, if a farmer over-applies fertilizer, it can result in nutrient runoff into local waterways, impacting not only neighboring farms but our entire community. On the other hand, if a farmer doesn’t apply enough fertilizer, the soil can degrade and affect neighboring fields as well. Being a good steward when it comes to nutrient application practices can also set a positive standard in the local community, encouraging neighboring farmers to adopt similar approaches—which is good not only for our local community but for the agricultural industry as a whole.
That’s why Ashland SWCD is so excited to be able to work with Ashland County farmers through the H2Ohio program; not only does the program demonstrate our local farmers’ commitment to being good stewards of our soil and water resources, it also speaks to the commitment of Ohio’s agricultural industry to ensure that we are following best management practices for nutrient application across the state.
So what do those BMPs look like? Here are a few of those practices that are built in to H2Ohio nutrient management plan development:
Current Soil Tests: You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Regular soil testing helps farmers understand their soil's nutrient content and pH levels, allowing them to tailor fertilizer applications to specific crop needs. All H2Ohio contracts must have current soil tests within the last 3-4 years.
Nutrient Management Plans: This is the cornerstone practice of the statewide H2Ohio expansion. Developing nutrient management plans based on soil test results helps farmers optimize fertilizer use, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact.
Choose the Right Fertilizers: Selecting fertilizers based on crop requirements, soil conditions, and environmental considerations ensures efficient nutrient delivery and minimizes potential environmental harm. A key component of the nutrient management plans developed through H2Ohio is looking at farmers’ planned crop rotations, then building a plan to secure the right nutrient applications their crops and soils need.
Timing Applications: As H2Ohio nutrient management plans are developed, farmers will look at when the right time to apply their fertilizer applications is according to anticipated crop growth stages and weather conditions. Timely applications maximize nutrient uptake and minimize losses through runoff or leaching.
While the practices listed above are all part of the current H2Ohio nutrient management plan development process, there are other BMPs that can improve your nutrient efficiency as well:
Monitoring and Adjusting: After developing H2Ohio nutrient management plan, farmers will be eligible to enroll an implementation program for the 2025 and 2026 crop years for a $10/acre. Regularly monitoring crop growth, soil conditions, and nutrient levels allows farmers to adjust fertilizer applications as needed throughout the growing season, optimizing crop performance and minimizing waste.
Precision Agriculture: Precision agriculture technologies such as GPS-guided equipment and variable-rate application allows farmers to apply fertilizers exactly where they're needed, optimizing nutrient distribution and minimizing overuse. That’s why H2Ohio enrolled farmers who use variable rate application technologies will receive an addition $5/acre ($15/acre total) during the implementation phase of H2Ohio.
Incorporating Organic Matter: Incorporating organic matter through practices like cover cropping and crop residue management improves soil structure and nutrient retention, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Farmers interested in cover crops can enroll acres now in Ashland SWCD and the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District’s cover crop cost share program for 2024 through July 1. Ashland SWCD also offers no-till drills for rent as well. Contact Conservation Specialist Katie Eikleberry for more information at 419-281-7645 or keikleberry@ashlandcounty.org
H2Ohio nutrient management plan development applications are accepted through June 30 and are approved on a first-come, first-serve basis statewide. For more information on enrollment, contact Water Quality Specialist Cora Crilow at 419-281-7654 or h2ohio@ashlandcounty.org
