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 have the most effectiveness on their farm while still producing a high yield of crop. A Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan (VNMP) is required for all cropland enrolled in H2Ohio. The H2Ohio farmer incentive program is a voluntary conservation effort initially made available in the 14 counties that make up the Maumee River Watershed. H2Ohio expanded into 10 additional counties, now encompassing the entire Western Lake Erie Basin. To date, 2,600 agreements have been signed by producers to implement these BMPs. These agreements total 1.6 million acres enrolled into VNMPs, and 1.2 million acres enrolled in BMPs, accounting for nearly 35 percent of the total cropland in the WLEB. Contact our office if you're interested in future signups!
The intent of this page is to provide useful links and resources to the farmers of Wood County who are currently participating in the H2Ohio Program. If you would like more information about the H2Ohio Initiative, please visit h2.ohio.gov
The intent of this page is to provide useful links and resources to the farmers of Wood County who are currently participating in the H2Ohio Program. If you would like more information about the H2Ohio Initiative, please visit h2.ohio.gov
If you're interested in the next round of H2Ohio signup and are not currently participating, contact our office to be added to the contact list!
2023 Practice Verification can begin after all nutrient applications for this year's crop have been made.
Remember to contact our office prior to any manure applications!
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Voluntary Nutrient Management PlanVNMP Development and Implementation BMP Sheet
VNMP Development Verification Form
Variable Rate TechnologySubsurface Phosphorus PlacementSubsurface Phosphorus BMP Sheet
Subsurface Phosphorus Verification Form
Manure IncorporationManure Incorporation BMP Sheet
NRCS Nutrient Management 590 (Setback Table page 14) Manure Incorporation Verification Form
Conservation Crop Rotation - ForagesConservation Crop Rotation - Small GrainsOverwintering Cover CropDrainage Water Management (DWM)DWM BMP Sheet
DWM Development Verification Form
DWM Maintenance Verification Form
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Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative (OACI)
OACI is a collaboration of Ohio agricultural organizations along with Conservation, academia, and environmental groups. The goal of OACI's Farmer Certification is to improve soil health, yield and cost-efficiency, and deliver cost savings for farmers through practical, workable soil health solutions.
As part of the partnership between H2Ohio and OACI, farmers participating in the H2Ohio program must also participate and enroll in OACI. All H2Ohio producers completed the Farmer Profile prior to March 31, 2021. The next step is to complete the OACI Certification. This must be completed before any 2022 or 2023 H2Ohio Practice payments can be made.
As part of the partnership between H2Ohio and OACI, farmers participating in the H2Ohio program must also participate and enroll in OACI. All H2Ohio producers completed the Farmer Profile prior to March 31, 2021. The next step is to complete the OACI Certification. This must be completed before any 2022 or 2023 H2Ohio Practice payments can be made.
Record Keeping Tools and Helpful Links
Collecting the practice documentation for the H2Ohio Program is the responsibility of the participating farmer, but there are tools to help! Below are some links to documents and webpages you may find useful for record keeping.
Other Documents
Common Questions
Q: When can I apply nutrients?
A: After you have an approved VNMP and if field and weather conditions are met.
Q: How do I determine if a nutrient application meets the weather forecast requirements?
A: Western Lake Erie Basin restrictions start on Page 9 of this document: https://nutrienteducation.osu.edu/sites/nutriented/files/imce/Manual17_Change_Foldout.pdf
You can also view this 10-minute video for information from OSU on how to interpret the 48-hour forecast: https://youtu.be/Z7Ip8hsL4bA
Q: What records do I need to keep?
A: The record-keeping requirements for each practice are in the individual practice guidelines with each BMP sheet that was initialed by the producer.
A: After you have an approved VNMP and if field and weather conditions are met.
Q: How do I determine if a nutrient application meets the weather forecast requirements?
A: Western Lake Erie Basin restrictions start on Page 9 of this document: https://nutrienteducation.osu.edu/sites/nutriented/files/imce/Manual17_Change_Foldout.pdf
You can also view this 10-minute video for information from OSU on how to interpret the 48-hour forecast: https://youtu.be/Z7Ip8hsL4bA
Q: What records do I need to keep?
A: The record-keeping requirements for each practice are in the individual practice guidelines with each BMP sheet that was initialed by the producer.
