Question

Locate an article that discusses how/what agriculture is doing to be a part of the water quality solution in Ohio. What are your thoughts about the article? Discuss how Ohio can utilize the Diffusion of Innovations theory of communication to address our water issues? 150 words https://www.toledoblade.com/Sponsored-Content/2018/06/13/Farmers-growing-solutions-to-help-solve-Lake-Erie-water-problems.html

Answer 1

Proactive measures should be used in land to keep nutrients from entering local waterways – such as changing the way fertilizer is applied – to keep runoff to a minimum.

Effective ways for farmers to practice agriculture in such a way that will vastly minimize, if not altogether eliminate, phosphorus from farmer fertilizer.

Use filter strips planted between farm and surface water to provide a buffer and protect water and soil quality.

Utilize soil testing – Should not put out any more fertilizer than what our soil can produce. Our costs are so high we have to watch every penny. Should not throw fertilizer randomly. Should be specifically blended to a field. Some farmers are utilize GPS system for soil testing so you maximize your efficiency.

Planters should leave the crop residue – corn stalk or wheat stubble or bean stubble. That helps mitigate any type of runoff if you have a big rain event as opposed to doing the tillage and disrupt the soil.

Research, modeling, and asking the right questions can lead to solutions, but it must be based on the changing conditions that challenge farmers every single day.

A cover crop can absorb nutrients and put them in the roots where the microbes can get to it and use it for the next crop. That reduces what we have leaving the field. It is amazing the difference a cover crop can make when it comes to reducing losses.