Creating an optimal environment in which microorganisms can convert organic material into compost that can be used as a soil amendment or fertilizer relies heavily on the construction of the facility. Stateler Family Farms worked with the Ohio Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to plan and constru…

Abandoned or unused water wells can be found almost anywhere: on farms, industrial sites, and in urban areas. You may be able to easily spot a water well when they are marked by a windmill tower or an old hand pump. Others are not so clearly marked. Many abandoned water wells may lie hidden beneath weeds and …

Research shows that phosphorus is leaving the farm via water, through both surface and subsurface runoff. Implementing practices that slow, stop and/or treat water before it exits the farm can greatly reduce phosphorus discharge downstream. However, the unpredictability of the weather can make this difficult.…

To dive into the latest research and results from the Ohio Demonstration Farm sites, take a look at our 2021 Project Update. What you’ll find inside: Ohio’s Water Quality Problem About the Blanchard River Demonstration Farms Network How to Improve Quality through Reliable Conservation Practices Th…

Keeping valuable topsoil on the farm is critical to sustainable agriculture, and reducing soil loss can play an important role in water quality concerns downstream. …

Introduction to Ohio’s Water Quality Problem In 2014, a toxic algal bloom in Lake Erie caused nearly half a million people in the Toledo area to be without tap water for two days. The water crisis generated headlines around the world, drawing attention to an increasingly serious problem with the quality…

Research being done at the Blanchard River Demonstration Farms and other related sites around the state is helping researchers determine what practices work best for reducing nutrient and sediment loss. Over the last five years, on-farm research has shown that following the 4R approach can help reduce nutrien…

Research being done at the Blanchard River Demonstration Farms and other related sites around the state is helping researchers determine what practices work best for reducing nutrient and sediment loss. Over the last five years, on-farm research has shown that following the 4R approach can help reduce nutrien…