4R Tomorrow Nutrient Stewardship “ Doing RIGHT today, 4R Tomorrow!” Ohio SWCDs are Working Together to Improve the Quality of Life for All Ohioans! *Photo provided by the United Soybean Board

Population growth will continue to increase demands on production efficiency Increased scrutiny related to land and resource management Agriculture is Being Challenged 4R Nutrient Stewardship Management

Population increase of 2 billion people by 2050 Production demand met by intensified production, not increased land use Seed industry predicts 3-4% yield growth per year Require optimal fertilizer inputs for greatest success Growing Population & Demand 4R Nutrient Stewardship Management

Negative headlines affecting public opinion EPA aggressively pursuing rulemaking affecting agriculture Environmental organizations litigating to force regulatory action Increased Scrutiny of Land and Resource Management 4R Nutrient Stewardship Management

There are 14,000 nutrient related surface water impairment listings in 49 states Over 47 percent of streams contain medium to high levels of N and P What EPA Has Been Saying... 4R Nutrient Stewardship Management

Row Crop N & P Contributions to the Gulf of Mexico & the Chesapeake Bay 4R Nutrient Stewardship Management

What EPA Has Been Saying... 4R Nutrient Stewardship Management EPA says “ALL MAJOR SOURCES OF NUTRIENTS MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROBLEMS”

Responding to the Challenges 4R Nutrient Stewardship Management

4R Tomorrow Program 4R Tomorrow Nutrient Stewardship Management Goal: Educate and engage all water quality stakeholders to reduce the amount of excess nutrients making its way into Ohio waterways Key Themes: Agriculture has a role. Urban community members have a role. All stakeholders must do their parts to reach our common goal: better water quality in Ohio.

Target Audiences 4R Tomorrow Nutrient Stewardship Management Agricultural Crop Farmers Livestock Farmers Fertilizer Dealers and Custom Applicators Urban Homeowners Lawn Care Industry Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facilities Developers

Key Messages ---Agriculture 4R Tomorrow Nutrient Stewardship Management Challenging time for agriculture Farmers must step up and show they are part of the solution 4R Nutrient Stewardship Right source Right rate Right time Right place

Framework 4 management systems & education based on basic universal scientific principles Slide from IPN I 4R Tomorrow Nutrient Stewardship Management 1. Supply in plant available forms 2. Suit soil properties 3. Recognize synergisms among elements 4. Blend compatibility 1. Appropriately assess soil nutrient supply 2. Assess all available indigenous nutrient sources 3. Assess plant demand 4. Predict fertilizer use efficiency 1. Assess timing of crop uptake 2. Assess dynamics of soil nutrient supply 3. Recognize timing of weather factors 4. Evaluate logistics of operations 1. Recognize root-soil dynamics 2. Manage spatial variability 3. Fit needs of tillage system 4. Limit potential off-field transport

Implementing a 4R Plan 4R Tomorrow Nutrient Stewardship Management 1.Identify economic, social, & environmental goals that cropping system objectives should address 2.Select site specific BMPs to address goals 3.Integrate BMPs for all goals and adjust 4.Document the plan

Source Select appropriate fertilizer nutrient source, consider fertilizer form, consider enhanced eff. fertilizers Rate Grid or zone soil testing for rates, nutrient budgeting to plan management and application, address spatial variability; in season methods for in season decisions Time Follow recommended times for nutrient applications, split apps to improve uptake, enhanced eff. fertilizers Place Utilize app. methods that limit losses, incorporate fertilizers, couple apps. with appropriate soil conservation Example Goals 4R Tomorrow Nutrient Stewardship Management

Agriculture is just one source of nutrients that cause algae blooms Urban sources of excess nutrients include lawn and landscape fertilizers and municipal discharge Homeowners and businesses can make a difference by practicing backyard conservation: Using the right fertilizer source at the right rate, right time, and right placement (the 4R principles) Mowing Watering and water retention Mulching Keeping debris off of hard surfaces and out of storm drains Key Messages: Urban 4R Tomorrow Nutrient Stewardship Management

The 4R Tomorrow Team 4R Tomorrow Nutrient Stewardship Management The 4R Tomorrow Team will be comprised of individuals who want to do the right things in our environment in order to keep our natural resources sustainable and vibrant for tomorrow. This team will be working hand-in-hand to educate conservation best management practices in an effort to keep our soils productive, our waters clean, and our future bright!

The 4R Tomorrow Team 4R Tomorrow Nutrient Stewardship Management The 4R Tomorrow team’s focus is Doing RIGHT today, 4R Tomorrow! Members will sign a pledge form made available by the SWCDs, and receive a membership card & other materials to encourage continued participation in the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program and the 4R Tomorrow Team. The Pledge Form asks the member to commit to the following: I “RESOLVE” to be a part of the solution! I am “READY” to be a part of the solution! I am willing to “REGISTER” to be a part of the solution! I am able to “REACH” out to others to be a part of the solution!

4R Tomorrow District Tool Kit 4R Tomorrow Nutrient Stewardship Management List of tool kit elements 4R Tomorrow FAQ Sheet, SWCD District Focused 4R Tomorrow FAQ Sheet, Producer / Farmer Focused 4R Tomorrow FAQ Sheet, General Public Focused 4R Tomorrow Nutrient Stewardship Management Talking Points 4R Nutrient Stewardship Management Brochure 4R Tomorrow Team “I Resolve” pledge form Sample News Release, Program Kick-Off Announcement Sample News Release, Fair Announcement Sample News Release, Farmers & Homeowners Working Together Sample News Release, 4R Tomorrow Year End Success Sample Letter to the Editor 4R Tomorrow Powerpoint Farmer Breakfast Workshop Template

Next Steps 4R Tomorrow Nutrient Stewardship Management Farmer Action Plan Plan for a 4R Nutrient Stewardship outreach through a “Farmer Breakfast,” tour, cover crop workshop or other potential venue where 4R Nutrient Stewardship strategies can be discussed. Media Outreach Use the media templates to announce program and share the 4R Tomorrow Team Information to encourage individuals to get involved. Additional tools such as Public Service Announcements and other radio spots will be made available to reach additional audiences as well!

Next Steps 4R Tomorrow Nutrient Stewardship Management Social Media Use Social Media tools such as Facebook or Twitter to promote program, workshop and events geared towards the 4R Nutrient Stewardship and Backyard Conservation Programs. Highlight the importance of becoming a member of the 4R Tomorrow Team – as we are “Doing RIGHT today, 4R Tomorrow! Fairs, Festivals, School & other District Events Use the brochure and other outreach tools at events to share the message in an effort to get individuals interested and involved!

The RIGHT Time for Nutrient Stewardship is RIGHT Now! 4R Tomorrow Nutrient Stewardship Management Questions?

The Fertilizer Institute International Plant Nutrition Institute Environmental Protection Agency NRCS OFSWCD Ohio Soybean Council ODNR, Division of Soil and Water Resources Resources 4R Tomorrow Nutrient Stewardship Management