Improving water quality in Ohio watersheds

Non-point-source nutrient runoff in agricultural watersheds, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, continues to threaten the quality of surface and groundwater in Ohio watersheds. Impaired water quality detrimentally affects drinking water quality, recreational water use and aquatic life. Improving soil health and, consequently, water quality through best agricultural management practices is critical for achieving the twin goal of sustainable agricultural production and effective environmental stewardship.

Central State University in Ohio has joined regional partners to identify targeted locations for agricultural best management practices implementation. The practices include controlled drainage, riparian buffers, bioreactors, grassed waterways, cascading waterways and water and sediment control basins. Using the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework, model runs were completed for 50 watersheds. The focus is on the 20-county watershed region of Southwestern Ohio that drains into the Ohio River. The model outputs were used in nine watershed plans to increase adoption of best management practices.

Project supported by Evans-Alan and other USDA capacity funds.