How to adopt better conservation practices
- Michelle Wood
- May 12, 2020
- 922
Like many of you, we here at Holmes Soil and Water Conservation District are making an effort to function effectively with all the changes we are experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 virus.
Working from home for most of April was part of that effort. After setting up a temporary office at one end of our kitchen table, I was able to continue working on conservation planning and programming.
I am back at the office today, and we began the discussion about the challenges of adopting conservation practices in the future and what Holmes SWCD can do to make adoption of these practices easier.
In spite of all the changes in the last six weeks, the benefits of improving water quality and reducing soil loss have not changed, but because of the current farm economy, adopting conservation practices can be very challenging.
I came across a fact sheet by USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and The National Institute of Food and Agriculture titled “How Farmers and Ranchers Make Conservation Decisions.” It was based on 13 watershed projects from 2004-13.
Based on experiences with farmers involved with NIFA-CEAP projects, some of the factors that will increase the chance a farmer will adopt conservation practices are ones that will increase profits and have a farm benefit that is easy to observe such as reduced erosion from no till and conservation tillage.
Two low-cost conservation practices that are effective at improving water quality and reducing erosion and soil loss are conservation buffers and nutrient management.
Conservation buffers include grassed waterways, field borders, filter strips and riparian (streamside) buffers with livestock fencing for pastures. According to NRCS, research buffers can remove up to 50 percent or more of nutrients and pesticides and up to 75 percent of sediment. This practice checks the “easy to observe” box in that the establishment of buffers is visibly appealing and demonstrates a commitment to conservation, but alternately the amount of nutrient reduction isn’t so obvious.
Nutrient management is developing a plan for fertilizer and manure application rates based on soil tests, crop yield goals and crop removal of nutrients. Over application of manure and fertilizers leads to water pollution and potential algal blooms. Keeping current and accurate records of manure and fertilizer applications is a critical component of profit and loss, as well as meeting management standards.
I am going to focus on nutrient management. Nutrient management consists of developing a plan and keeping application records. There are several formats to develop a plan and keep application records. It can be as simple as crop nutrient recommendations based on soil tests and the Tri-State Recommendation Guide. Holmes SWCD has the field information form available at the office.
Other options include Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan, Ohio Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan and an Ohio Nutrient Management workbook. The CNMP is the most complete plan for livestock operations.
The Ohio Nutrient Management workbook can be completed by the producer who uses manure and fertilizer. The ODA NMP is primarily designed for operations that use commercial fertilizer. These plans include a record-keeping section. Several record-keeping tools are available including the OnMrk phone app, which I would be happy to set up and demonstrate to anyone interested.
Having a plan is extremely important, but record keeping may be even more important. This information can then be used to make better decisions and update the plan. It can be difficult to check on what was done if it is not documented. Developing a plan and keeping application records is a conservation practice that doesn’t cost a lot, may reduce the cost of crop fertility, improves water quality and reduces the risk of nutrient runoff.
The bottom line is conservation practices only work if adopted.
Holmes SWCD is happy to answer any questions you may have about adopting conservation practices on your land. We can assist you with developing a nutrient-management plan including a record-keeping system that is right for your operation. Call Holmes SWCD at 330-674-2811 or Joe Christner at 330-600-3102.