News

Conservation is working in the Lake Erie Basin

Conservation practices are paying off for farmers in the Western Lake Erie Basin.

Kathy Mathers with The Fertilizer Institute tells Brownfield a recent conservation assessment report found practices are reducing nutrient runoff and soil erosion in the Western Lake Erie Basin.  “Annual sediment losses are down by 81 percent, annual nitrogen loss is down by 36 percent and phosphorus loss is down by 75 percent.”  Mathers says the National Resources Conservation Services attributes much of the reduction to farmers using the 4Rs when applying nutrients, using the right source, right rate, a right time and right place.

She advises farmers to be mindful of their nutrient reserves when thinking of cutting costs as many soils are deficient.  “That’s one of the interesting things about the Western Lake Erie Basin, that the soils are really deficient, that we’re not building up phosphorus in those soils.”

She says at a time when farmers don’t have money to spend on some resources, working with an ag retailer can harness the power of information.  “Retailers can take your information, they can aggregate it with other growers, it can allow you to bench mark yourself and figure out how you’re doing verses your competitors on an anonymous basis.”

Mathers spoke with Brownfield during the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Washington Watch Issues Forum in Washington, D.C.

AUDIO: Interview with Kathy Mathers