What is H2Ohio?
H2Ohio is Governor Mike DeWine’s initiative to ensure safe and clean water for all Ohioans. It is a comprehensive, data-driven approach to improving water quality over the long term. H2Ohio focuses specifically on reducing phosphorous, creating wetlands, addressing failing septic systems, and preventing lead contamination. The Ohio Department of Agriculture's H2Ohio program incentivizes farmers to implement seven proven, science-based, cost-effective, best management practices (BMP). Producers work with their Soil and Water Conservation District to determine which practices will be most effective on their farm while still producing a high crop yield. A Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan (VNMP) is required for all cropland enrolled in H2Ohio.
H2OHIO ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
All producers who choose to participate in new H2Ohio 2.0 rollout must have a valid email address and speak with a soil and water conservation district about getting registered in MyFarms. MyFarms is a new platform that allows district employees and producers to work together in a more efficient way compared to previous years. This platform allows producers to load in field maps, crop rotations, acres, fertilizer placement, and H2Ohio contract data. This process can also be done by the districts working with ag retailers/co-ops that have this information and have the producers consent to share it with the local SWCD. Also on MyFarms, you are able to access information about grant payments per acre and see the total amount to be paid based on practices input.
With patience, we can learn these new programs together & help get Lorain County on the H2Ohio map.
The Details...
A Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan (VNMP) is required for all cropland enrolled in H2Ohio. The VNMP shows the amount of nutrients in the soil and helps determine which BMPs will be most effective.
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All Nutrient Management Plans must be written and implemented to the current NRCS 590 Nutrient Management Standards.​​​
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All nitrogen and phosphorus application rates must follow 2020 Tri-state Fertilizer Recommendations (OSU Ext. Bulletin 974).​​​
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Nutrient Management Plans developed and implemented through H2Ohio must meet the minimum requirements set forth in ORC 905.31 (DD)
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Soil tests must be compliant with the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide and not older than 4 years.
Documentation of the method and seasonal time of utilization and application of nutrients is required, as well as the identification of all nutrients applied, including the location, spreadable acreage, crops grown, and actual, as well as, projected yields.
Updated 2020. This pdf is the most up to date document to reference for your VNMP.
Download this pdf to use anytime. A hard copy is also available to look through at our office.
Nutrient Management Plans developed and implemented through H2Ohio must meet the minimum requirements set forth in ORC 905.31 (DD)
H2Ohio Presentations & Recordings
Presentations are available for download in dark blue boxes below each description
YouTube Training Recordings for SWCDs, Producers, & Advisors
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Other Resources
Journal articles, news sources, and more. Stay tuned - more resources continuously added!