Description
How do we stop the rain from washing excess phosphorus into tributaries of Lake Erie? Farmers and conservationists have been working on this question for years, but with added urgency since last summer’s phosphorus-fed algal bloom shut off Toledo’s water supply for three days.
Experts from throughout the Lake Erie basin gathered on a Fulton County farm to demonstrate tools and techniques they hope will help reduce agriculture’s contribution to the algae problem.
The event, titled “Field to Lake – Soil, Science, and Water Working Together,” featured several examples of methods being used to keep nutrients like phosphorus on the fields and out of the waters of Lake Erie.
Speakers included experts from The Ohio State University, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District, the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S.D.A - Agricultural Research Services, Nester Ag, Soil Heath Partnership, independent consultants, and implement manufacturer John Deere.
Joseph W. Duris, microbiologist for USGS Michigan Water Science Center, spoke at the event.
