Survey Reveals Farmers' Conservation Efforts in Sandusky Watershed
By Andi Anderson
The Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative (OACI) recently unveiled insights from its 2023 Assessment Survey Report, shedding light on farmers' practices in managing water and nutrients within the Sandusky watershed. The findings, while promising, underscore the need for ongoing education and resources to further improve water quality.
Kris Swartz, Chair of OACI and a Wood County farmer, expressed optimism about the survey results, particularly noting the significant adoption of technology-driven practices like grid sampling and variable rate applications. He emphasized the pivotal role of ongoing initiatives like H2Ohio in bolstering these efforts in the future.
The survey serves as a baseline for understanding the adoption of various farming practices in the Sandusky watershed. It enables a targeted approach to enhance existing practices while identifying areas for further development.
John Fulton, a professor and Extension specialist at The Ohio State University, highlighted the significance of the survey in providing insights into farmers' decision-making processes and the adoption of conservation practices.
Key findings from the survey include:
- 57% of surveyed fields were enrolled in cost-share conservation programs.
- 92% of fields were sampled for soil every 4 years, with 85% utilizing precision agriculture methods.
- 62% of fields applied phosphorus using variable-rate technology, while 21% applied nitrogen using the same approach.
- 55% of farmland employed no-till or minimal tillage practices.
- 59% of assessed farmland was owned by farmers, with 41% under lease.
- Commercial fertilizer was the primary nutrient source (80%), followed by manure (14%).
Jordan Hoewischer, Director of Water Quality and Research at Ohio Farm Bureau, commended farmers' contributions to water quality improvement in the region, emphasizing the significant progress made.
The survey, part of OACI's ongoing program, aims to assess watersheds across the state periodically. The Sandusky watershed survey follows a previous assessment of the Lower Maumee watershed.
Conducted through randomized sampling of 433 crop production fields, the survey provides valuable insights into farmers' practices. It was completed prior to the implementation of H2Ohio practices, with assistance from The Ohio State University and Iowa State University.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zms
Categories: Ohio, General