Bringing the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Message to Ohio Agriculture.

Ohio is utilizing several methods to bring a science based approach to nutrient management with the joint goals of increased nutrient utilization and reduced environmental impacts. The efforts include farmers, agricultural professionals, Extension Educators, University Researchers and other interested organizations working together. Results from ongoing on-farm and research station experiment sites are used to answer the important questions on nutrient management delivered through educational programs.

Fertilizer Applicator Certification Training (FACT) - A legislatively mandated effort delivered cooperative by Ohio State University Extension and Ohio Department of Agriculture to provide training to meet requirements of fertilizer applicator certification for those who apply fertilizer on more than 50 acres of agricultural production.

Mandated application criteria for the Western Lake Erie Basin that require applicators to take into consideration weather, soil and other criteria prior to fertilizer or manure application.

4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification - A voluntary third party audit program for Nutrient Service Providers (NSP) that provides a science-based framework for plant nutrition management and sustained crop production. NSP are ultimately audited on 41 criteria over a 3 year period. The program governing body includes non-governmental organizations, industry and university/research representation.

Nutrient Management Research -Research efforts aimed at evaluating current fertility recommendations from The Ohio State University. Efforts include on-farm and research farm scale plots funded by Ohio Commodity Organization and USDA grants.

Off-Site Movement of Nutrients Research- A network of continuously monitored edge of field water quality site are being monitored to evaluate the current Ohio P index. Funding has been provided through Ohio Commodity Organizations and Industry, USDA-ARS, and NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant.

Nutrient Stewardship for Cleaner Water Signature Program- An Ohio State University Extension program coordinating educational and research efforts to deliver to clientele the information being generated from projects outlined.