Farmers in Ohio can get up to $2 million in cost-share money to reduce run-off into Lake Erie, said USDA, acting only weeks after algae blooms in the lake disrupted the water supply for Toledo. The funding is allocated for the Western Lake Erie Basin to accelerate water-quality efforts. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is holding a one-week signup for interested growers and landowners. “This signup will be focused on planting cover crops on vulnerable soils this fall in order to reduce soil and nutrient loss from farm fields,” said USDA. The money will come from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. USDA also will provide $1 million for expert advice to landowners.
Experts say cover crops offer the best protection against soil and nutrient erosion, says USDA. Algae blooms are blamed on warm water and runoff from farms, lawns and other sources.