The Paulding Soil and Water Conservation District is proud to announce the onset of a new reimbursement opportunity for local farmers. The Healthy Lakes Program to Promote Nutrient Placement of Phosphorus in the WLEB Area initiative aims to significantly reduce the amount of fertilizer that is needed to be applied for crops by utilizing Variable-Rate Technology and injection of fertilizer beneath the ground surface.
While farmland nutrients and pH levels fit within a narrow range in the county, variation within a single field may vary greatly. VRT uses grid soil tests to analyze current nutrient levels, which is used to compute how much fertilizer should be used and where it is needed to be applied. The Healthy Lakes Program will offer a reimbursement of $9 per acre for completing soil testing.
This program also follows the practice of applying fertilizer by injecting it at least 1.5 inches below the ground surface. In contrast to broadcasting fertilizer to the surface of the ground, much more of the fertilizer is retained in the soil for longer periods of time. It is also less likely to be washed out into waterways during heavy rains. The program offers reimbursement of $26 per acre for the completion of VRT fertilizer injection.
Along with the reimbursements offered, those who utilize this program may benefit from decreased fertilizer costs. Recent studies out of Iowa State University showed that VRT applications required less fertilizer than a uniform application, while crop yield was not affected. Thus, when cost of fertilizer is high, the benefits of VRT application rise.
While there are monetary benefits available to farmers, the Healthy Lakes Program’s aim is to reduce the amount of nutrient runoff that is flowing into the Western Lake Erie Basin. Recent algal blooms in Lake Erie near Toledo and here in Paulding County on the Maumee River are results of heavy nutrient flow into our waterways. This compromises our ability to use this fresh water as a sustainable drinking and recreation source. Many conservation districts along the Maumee River are working to get a water trail designated for boats and canoes that begins right here in Paulding County. Utilizing this plan will assist in keep these algal blooms at a minimum and allow our county to benefit from being the starting point of this trail. So by taking part in this plan, farmers are able to save money and help sustain the environment.
The Healthy Lakes Program runs from July, 1st 2016 through June, 15th 2017 and has the following guidelines:
• Copies of current (1 year) grid soil tests
• Applied maps for fertilizer application
• Phosphorus applications must be at or below the Tri-State Fertility Guide Recommendations
• Soil testing on grids of 2.5-10 acres
• VRT Fertilizer placement/injection at a depth of at least 1.5 inches (No surface application)
• Maximum acreage for Producers of 250 acres that must lie entirely in Paulding County
• Maximum acreage for Dealers of 1,500 acres that must lie entirely in Paulding County
The Paulding SWCD has received a total budget of $220,000 to handout to participants. 1,500 acres will be allocated for Producers and 4,471 acres for Dealers. Inquiries for this initiative have already been received so please contact the Paulding SWCD to take advantage of this program today.
For more information, please contact the Paulding SWCD: 900B Fairground Drive, Paulding, OH 45879; phone 419-399-4771; or e-mail daniel.foust@pauldingswcd.org
