News

WLEB Initiative at MSU

Michigan State University Extension has started an initiative in the Western Lake Erie Basin to help farmers improve water quality.

Senior Educator Marilyn Thelen says they’ve partnered with conservation technicians in the region to offer field days, webinars and online resources.

She tells Brownfield to help keep phosphorus in the field and out of water, farmers need to apply the correct amount.  “MSU recommends that you do a soil test on your field every three to four years, and that will let you know if your soil test phosphorus levels are building or are being drawn down.”  She says farmers can band apply nutrients so they are readily available for the growth of the plant and it’s incorporated into the soil.

Thelen says MSU is building the program with farmers in the basin, but the information applies to all watersheds.

“Most of the water in Michigan, regardless of where you are located near the coast or in the center of the state, drains to one of the Great Lakes.”  She tells Brownfield, “Keeping your nutrients on the field and out of the surface water is a benefit to everyone.”

Thelen says farmers can learn more on the MSU Extension website.

AUDIO: Interview with Marilyn Thelen (4:18 mp3):