H2Ohio focuses on best practices
- col-conservation-corner
- May 8, 2024
- 349
In December 2023, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Agriculture announced the statewide expansion of H2Ohio’s incentive program for agricultural producers.
The program provides funding for agricultural best management practices that work to improve Ohio’s water quality. Incentives will be offered at $10 per acre for basic and $15 per acre for precision for the development and implementation of Voluntary Nutrient Management Plans. Row crop producers in the 64 counties outside of the Western Lake Erie Basin will be eligible. The enrollment period is now through May 31.
Nutrient-management plans reduce the risk of over-application of fertilizer and manure by following soil sample data. Funding for producers in the statewide expansion area allows for enrollment of 500,000 new acres. H2Ohio is a comprehensive, data-driven approach to improving water quality over the long term. H2Ohio focuses on encouraging agricultural best management practices, restoring wetlands and replacing home septic systems to reduce nutrients that can contribute to harmful algal blooms.
Tuscarawas County is one of the 64 counties included in the statewide expansion and has been allotted 5,000 acres. There is a 500-acre cap per participant. Enrollment is on a first come, first served basis. Producers can work with the local Soil & Water Conservation District to enroll. Plans can be written by ag retailers, certified crop consultants or producers themselves. Reach out to the Tuscarawas Soil & Water Conservation District at 330-339-7976 if interested. For more information on the H2Ohio initiative, visit h2.ohio.gov/.
Dylan Stine is a district technician with Tuscarawas SWCD.