Source: OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
DEVELOPING PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS (PPPS) TO TARGET LEGACY PHOSPHORUS FIELDS TO INCREASE WATER QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
ACTIVE
Funding Source
AFRI COMPETITIVE GRANT
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1016101
Grant No.
2018-68011-28370
Cumulative Award Amt.
$4,999,930.00
Proposal No.
2017-08794
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Aug 15, 2018
Project End Date
Aug 14, 2025
Grant Year
2018
Program Code
[A9101]- Water for Food Production Systems
Recipient Organization
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
1680 MADISON AVENUE
WOOSTER,OH 44691
Performing Department
Food, Agr, and Biological Eng
Non Technical Summary
An important barrier limiting freshwater provisioning in agricultural watersheds is the inability to access privately held data needed to identify and target critical source areas of nutrient runoff. To overcome this barrier, we will address two knowledge gaps: 1) How can public-private partnerships (PPPs) be formed to target best management practices (BMPs) to agricultural fields that disproportionately degrade water quality, and 2) What gains in water quality can be achieved by targeting these fields? These knowledge gaps are important globally, and particularly relevant in the Western Lake Erie Basin where more than 5% of cropland has greater than 2.5 times the maximum recommended agronomic level of soil phosphorus (P). These "legacy P" fields can leach nutrients at an elevated rate to downstream ecosystems for decades, and, globally, have been identified as a major contributor to nutrient runoff and impacts such as harmful algal blooms and eutrophication. As such, they restrict the availability of quality water resources supporting agricultural, industrial, municipal and recreational uses. We will develop an initial PPP to target BMPs to legacy P fields and support the expansion of this approach with: 1) Socio-economic analyses to develop expansion protocols, 2) Watershed modeling to project large-scale impacts, and 3) An extension program to build knowledge and support. Leveraging previously unavailable private data to target intervention makes the largest gains in water quality possible while increasing the quantity of available water. The Program Area Priority addressed is "Targeted activities to overcome barriers, so that more sustainable management practices are adopted."
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
50%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1120320202040%
9030210303030%
8030320308030%
Knowledge Area
803 - Sociological and Technological Change Affecting Individuals, Families, and Communities; 112 - Watershed Protection and Management; 903 - Communication, Education, and Information Delivery;

Subject Of Investigation
0320 - Watersheds; 0210 - Water resources;

Field Of Science
2020 - Engineering; 3080 - Sociology; 3030 - Information and communication;
Goals / Objectives
Ourlong-term goalis to foster development of PPPs so that proprietary information can be used to increase the impact of conservation practices promoted by public agencies to address water quantity and quality issues. Theoverall Objectives of this projectare to:1.Establish an initial PPP to identify legacy P fields, where BMPs are installed and monitored to determine impacts on water quality and agricultural production.2.Conduct socio-economic and watershed modeling analyses to inform and predict the impact of watershed scale PPPs.3.Develop an extension program focused on the impacts of legacy P fields, and how targeting of BMPs and development of PPPs can improve water quality and availability.
Project Methods
Objective 1:The first majorinnovationof this objective is the formation of an initial PPP where four NSPs (Table 1) will use proprietary data to identify legacy fields, and recruit respective farmers to voluntarily install BMPs (Fig. 2). Thejustificationfor this partnership is that it will overcome limited access to proprietary field-level soil test P data, allowing for management practices to be targeted to fields most vulnerable to P runoff. Additionally, our ongoing work indicates that engagement from trusted sources, such as NSPs, will address existing limited extension connections to producers to increase adoption of conservation practices on fields at greatest risk of P loss (Wilson et al. 2013). For each of the fields, the respective farmer and NSP will collaborate with the research team to select appropriate BMPs. Theexpectationis to establish an initial PPP with four NSPs and 15 field systems where the impact of BMPs targeted to legacy P fields will be monitored. Through collaborations with the USDA-ARS edge-of-field monitoring program, we have already made arrangements for two legacy P field sites (see Letter of Collaboration), and will work with the NSPs to identify 13 additional sites. The second majorinnovationof this objective is that it will be the first to provide systematic documentation of nutrient reductions achieved by targeting BMPs to critical source areas, in this case legacy P fields. The collected data will test ourworking hypothesisthat BMPs focused on legacy P fields will produce greater reductions in P runoff compared to BMPs applied to fields with lower levels of soil test P. To collect this data we will design, install, and maintain monitoring networks customized to each field system. We will compare these results to more than 30 edge-of-field monitoring systems from fields with soil test P below 80 mg/kg leveraged from USDA-ARS collaborators and co-PDs Kalcic and D'Ambrosio. This information is needed to document the impact of targeting BMPs to legacy fields and to provide evidence to expand this strategy.Objective 2:While there is potential to substantially reduce P runoff by targeting BMPs to legacy P fields (King et al. 2017, Motew et al. 2017), there remain important gaps in knowledge that limit the promotion of this practice: (1) how to incentivize NSP and farmer participation, and (2) what are the watershed-scale reductions in P discharge that can be realized with greater adoption of BMPs on legacy fields? Therefore, ourapproachis to use decision science, economic analysis, and watershed modeling to determine the feasibility and estimate potential water quality benefits of expanding the targeting of BMPs to legacy P fields. This work isjustifiedbecause even with positive results from Objective 1, without identifying barriers and opportunities for BMP adoption and developing watershed projections of water quality improvements, it will remain difficult to expand the focus on legacy fields beyond the 15 pilot sites. Theoverall outcomewill be the identification and feasibility of methods to promote this practice to NSPs and their farmer clients, and the quantification of potential watershed-scale reductions of P runoff. This builds upon past work completed by PDs Wilson, Roe, Kalcic and Martin describing the methods and approaches needed to improve targeting of BMPs in the WLEB (Burnett et al., In Press, Smith et al., In Press, Zhang et al., 2016, Kalcic et al., 2015a, Kalcic et al., 2014), including a recent analysis of beliefs about BMPs in the Maumee watershed in partnership with the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Council (Prokup et al 2017) and the use of watershed models to identify critical source areas in the Maumee Watershed (Scavia et al. 2017).Objective 3:To increase knowledge of water quality impacts of legacy P fields and the use of PPPs to target BMPs to address these impacts, we will develop an extension program focused on three audiences: future farmers and NSPs, current farmers, and current NSPs. These audiences arejustifiedbecause they are and will be the next leaders determining BMP adoption, shaping future agricultural practices and policies, and driving water quality improvements in agricultural landscapes. Our approach is tightly integrated with research performed in Objectives 1 and 2, which will allow us to focus Extension material and delivery toward barriers to adoption and knowledge gaps regarding conservation practices identified by our target audiences. Our methods will involve targeted educational material development and currently available Extension programming that can be leveraged to provide education delivery outlets. Project information will be disseminated through established meetings, websites and project partner group settings. Ourexpectationfor these audiences is that 1) linking educational material development directly to socioeconomic research and BMP efficacy data, that is evaluated by the target audiences, will improve knowledge transfer across the public-private partnerships; and 2) targeting education delivery to established and trusted sources of information will lead to greater acceptance and adoption of practices focused on legacy P.Specifically for NSPs, weexpectknowledge gains to support a holistic, systems approach to guidance that expands services beyond agronomic recommendations to also include conservation practices to improve water quality. Over the long-term, we expect to motivate farmers to participate and NSPs to take a leadership role in targeted conservation implementation by providing the necessary capacity and materials. To continually update and receive input from stakeholders during the project, we have arranged for the existing 4R Nutrient Stewardship Council (4R NSC) to serve as the Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) for the project (see Letters of Collaboration). The Center for Education and Training for Employment (CETE) at Ohio State University will complete theexternal evaluationof this project and will interact with the SAG to track stakeholder engagement and fulfillment of objectives (details described in the Project Management Plan).

Progress 08/15/23 to 08/14/24

Outputs
Target Audience:To increase knowledge of water quality impacts of legacy phosphorus fields and the benefits of targeting BMPs to address these impacts, we have developed an extension program and learning modules focused on the following audiences: future and curernt producers, Nutrient Service Providers (NSPs), certified crop advisors, and county extension educators. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The following individuals are benefiting from training and professional development related to this project. This development includes gaining graduate degrees, delivering presentations at professional meetings, and preparing theses, dissertations, publications, and outreach material. Currently three graduate students have been hired to focus on this project (1 MS, 2 PHD). One post doc has been hired with efforts focused on this project. One Project Engineer is leading the design, installation and maintenance of the management practices and monitoring. One Laboratory Technician is leading analysis of water samples. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Several outreatch presentations have been delivered describing the need and progress of this project (see products section). We have also established a webpage on the Ohio 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification page to disseminate project information and results. We also debrief and recieve feedback from our Stakeholder Advisory Group twice a year. Based on an evaluation of Stakeholders by the External Evaluator they are very pleased with progress and results so far. The conclusion from the 2nd year report from the External Evaluator is included below in italics. Based on this Year 3 evaluation, the Elevated Phosphorus Fields Project is approaching project related goals. As such, the research team appropriately adjusted their activities to mitigate the impacts of a global pandemic. There is an external perception that intentional actions and interactions of the research team, early on and continually, has allowed for this project to flourish and exceed expectations. The research team is believed to have a command of the intricacies associated with the research sites and the local farming community. Thus, allowing for appropriate project design and local buy-in and the ultimate success of the project. Key stakeholders endorse the notion that the Elevated Phosphorus Fields Project will lead to the use of best management practices. This perception is fueled by the fact that the research team uses credible data as the basis of education regarding responsible farming. More importantly, preliminary research data and its dissemination has provided answers to longstanding questions within the farming community regarding Phosphorus. Lastly, external stakeholders are optimistic that this project will meet its overall goals. And it is believed that this project, if scaled, will impact generations of farmers. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Maintain existing field sites and continue to collect and analyze water quality data to assess nutrient runoff and ability of management practices to improve water quality 2. Deliver conference and outreach presentations summarizing results and impact of research 3. Develop and submit journal articles summarizing results from different management practices.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Goal 1. The Public Private Partnership (PPP) has been established, maintained and has successfully identifying 12 elevated P fields where nutrient runoff is being monitored and manangement practices have been installed and are being evaluated. Currently we have three sites where phosphorus filters have been installed and are being monitored. Currently we have two sites where drainage water management has been installed and is being monitored. In 2023 the secondwetland and third phosphorus filter site was developed that was funded with a $360k grant from the state of Ohio to support the design and constuction of this wetland facility. We also have five additional sites that we continue tomonitorwhere lower than expected phosphorus concentrations were detected. After consultation with our Stakeholder Advisory Group, it was decided to monitor through the end of the project. Goal 2. We have developed and calibrated a SWAT watershed model of the Maumee watershed in NW Ohio. During the last phase of the project in 2025, we will complete scenarios to test the efficicacy of installing management practices at legacy P fields at a watershed scale. Goal 3. Extension Program: Several outreatch presentations have been delivered describing the need and progress of this project (see products section) and a course module wasbeing developed in 2021 that has beenused for training. We have also completed summary videos of the project and field sites that are posted on webpages maintained by the Ohio 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program (https://4rcertified.org/ohio-research/) and Ohio TNC (https://vimeo.com/985970509/1f9718898d?share=copy), as well as OSU sites.

Publications

  • Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Michael R Brooker, Jessica DAmbrosio, Margaret Kalcic, Kevin W King, Greg LaBarge, Brian Roe, Nathan D Stoltzfus, Sam Sage, Rachelle Crow, Robyn S Wilson, Ryan J Winston, Jay F Martin. 2024. Quantifying phosphorus loads from legacy-phosphorus fields. Journal of Great Lakes Research. 102446
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Erin Ebersbach, Jay Martin, Michael Brooker, Nathan Stoltzfus, Sam Francis and Madison Kacica. 2024. Annual Conference of the American Ecological Engineering Society. Blacksburg, VA. Soil Texture as a Predictor of P Loss from Agricultural Soils.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Nathan Stoltzfus, Jay Martin and Michael Brooker. 2024. Annual Conference of the American Ecological Engineering Society. Blacksburg, VA. Design, implementation and initial performance of a coupled wetland and Phosphorus removal filter system on an agricultural field.


Progress 08/15/22 to 08/14/23

Outputs
Target Audience:To increase knowledge of water quality impacts of legacy phosphorus fields and the benefits of targeting BMPs to address these impacts, we have developed an extension program and learning modules focused on the following audiences: future and current producers, Nutrient Service Providers (NSPs), certified crop advisors, and county extension educators. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The following individuals are benefiting from training and professional development related to this project. Currently three graduate students have been hired to focus on this project (1 MS, 2 PhD). One post doc has been hired with efforts focused on this project. One Project Engineer is leading the design, installation and maintenance of the management practices and monitoring. One Laboratory Technician is leading analysis of water samples. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Several outreach presentations have been delivered describing the need and progress of this project (see products section). We have also established a webpage on the Ohio 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification page to disseminate project information and results. We also debrief and receive feedback from our Stakeholder Advisory Group twice a year. Based on an evaluation of Stakeholders by the External Evaluator they are very pleased with progress and results so far. Based on this Year 3evaluation, the Elevated Phosphorus Fields Project is approaching project related goals. As such, the research team appropriately adjusted their activities to mitigate the impacts of a global pandemic. There is an external perception that intentional actions and interactions of the research team, early on and continually, has allowed for this project to flourish and exceed expectations. The research team is believed to have a command of the intricacies associated with the research sites and the local farming community. Thus, allowing for appropriate project design and local buy-in and the ultimate success of the project. Key stakeholders endorse the notion that the Elevated Phosphorus Fields Project will lead to the use of best management practices. This perception is fueled by the fact that the research team uses credible data as the basis of education regarding responsible farming. More importantly, preliminary research data and its dissemination has provided answers to longstanding questions within the farming community regarding Phosphorus. Lastly, external stakeholders are optimistic that this project will meet its overall goals. And it is believed that this project, if scaled, will impact generations of farmers. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Maintain existing field sites and continue to collect and analyze water quality data to assess nutrient runoff and ability of management practices to improve water quality 2.Sponsor technical sessions at 3 relevant regional conferences in 2024 to highlight the results and implications from this project. Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts National Drainage meeting hosted in Columbus Oh. 3. Prepare publications and presentations to highlight results from this project. 4. Workwith stakeholders, state and federal agencies, and elected officials, to develop policy that will result in improved management, and continue research to address remaining unknowns (this grant has led to another grant for $1.5M from the United States Army Corps of Engineers) to continue research of legacy phosphorus fields and effective management approaches.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The Public Private Partnership (PPP) has been established, maintained and has successfully identifying 12 elevated P fields where nutrient runoff is being monitored and management practices have been installed and are being evaluated. Currently we have three sites where phosphorus filters have been installed and are being monitored. Currently we have two sites where drainage water management has been installed and is being monitored. In 2023 another wetland and phosphorus filter site was developed that was funded witha $360k grant from the state of Ohio to support the design and construction of this wetland facility. We also have five additional sites that we are currently monitoring to identify if and what type of management should be installed. Lower than expected phosphorus concentrations were initially detected at these five sites, and after consultation with our Stakeholder Advisory Group, it was decided to monitor only for two years before selecting appropriate management options. Extension Program: Several outreach presentations have been delivered describing the need and progress of this project (see products section) and a course module was developed and used for training in 2022. We have also completed summary videos of the project and field sites that are posted on webpages maintained by the Ohio 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program (https://4rcertified.org/ohio-research/) and Ohio TNC, as well as OSU sites.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Jay Martin. 2023. Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Annual Meeting. Focusing Conservation Practices on Legacy Phosphorus Fields with a Public Private Partnership. Columbus, OH.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: 1. Jay Martin. NOAA Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast. A Public-Private Partnership to Track Runoff and Impacts of Management on Legacy Phosphorus Fields. Jul. 22, 2023. Put-in-Bay, OH.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Jay Martin. Ohio Agricultural Conservation Initiative Research Presentation. Focusing Conservation Practices on Legacy Phosphorus Fields with a Public Private Partnership. Apr. 26, 2023. Columbus, OH.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Jay Martin. WLEB Partnership Annual Meeting. Reducing Phosphorus Runoff from Legacy Phosphorus Fields. Sept. 26, 2023. Tiffin, OH.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: 2. Jay Martin, Nathan Stoltzfus, Mike Brooker, Rachelle Crow. American Ecological Engineering Society Annual Meeting. June 22. Tampa, FL. Evaluation of an edge-of-field stacked conservation practice on a legacy-P field.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: 3. Nathan Stoltzfus, Jay Martin, Mike Brooker, Rachelle Crow. American Ecological Engineering Society Annual Meeting. June 22. Tampa, FL. Design and Evaluation of Phosphorus Filters.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Jay Martin, Mike Brooker, Nathan Stoltzfus, Sam Francis, Rachelle Crow, 2023. Soil and Water Conservation Society Annual Meeting. August 7. Desmoines, IA. Impacts of Conservation Practices on Fields with High P.


Progress 08/15/21 to 08/14/22

Outputs
Target Audience:To increase knowledge of water quality impacts of legacy phosphorus fields and the benefits of targeting BMPs to address these impacts, we have developed an extension program and learning modules focused on the following audiences: future and curernt producers, Nutrient Service Providers (NSPs), certified crop advisors, and county extension educators. Changes/Problems:Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions we were delayed in establishing our final field site. Thissites hasbeen identified and an additional grant secured from the State of Ohio H2Ohio program to fund the design and construction of a wetland at this location ($366k). The hired consulting firm is now working with project personnel to completedesigns for a phosphorus filter and wetland to be installed and monitored. The construction should be complete in 2022.We plan torequest a NoCost Extension, so that we will have sufficient time to monitor thissiteand gather data to draw conclusions about initial performance and gather an additional year of data from other field sites. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The following individuals are benefiting from training and professional development related to this project. Currently three graduate students are focused on this project (1 MS, 2 PHD). One post doc has been hired with efforts focused on this project. One Project Engineer is leading the design, installation and maintenance of the management practices and monitoring. One Laboratory Technician is leading analysis of water samples. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Several outreatch presentations have been delivered describing the need and progress of this project (see products section). We have also established a webpage on the Ohio 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification page to disseminate project information and results. We also debrief and recieve feedback from our Stakeholder Advisory Group twice a year. Based on an evaluation of Stakeholders by the External Evaluator they are very pleased with progress and results so far. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Maintain existing field sites and continue to collect and analyze water quality data to assess nutrient runoff and ability of management practices to improve water quality 2. Complete installation of managment practices and monitoring systems at final fieldsite. 3. Complete focus groups to assess the motivations and disincentives for NSP and farmer participation in programs targetingBMPs to legacy P fields. Use the information to develop recommendations to expand the reach of future policies to identify and direct management to legacy P fields. 4. Continue extension efforts with presentations and development of outreach and educational materials, as well as engagement of Stakeholder Advisory Group.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The Public Private Partnership (PPP) has been established, maintained and has successfully identifying 12 elevated P fields where nutrient runoff is being monitored and manangement practices have been installed and are being evaluated. Currently we have two sites where phosphorus filters have been installed and are being monitored, and another site where this practice will be installed in 2022. Currently we have two sites where drainage water management has been installed and is being monitored. Currently we have one site where a constructed wetland is being installed along with monitoring, and another site where this practice will be installed in 2022. We have acquired a $360k grant from the state of Ohio to support the design and constuction of this wetland facility. We also have five additional sites that we are currently monitoring to identify if and what type of management should be installed. We anticipate evaluating this data and making decisions in 2022. Lower than expected phosphorus concentrations were initially detected at these five sites, and after consultation with our Stakeholder Advisory Group, it was decided to monitor onlybefore selecting appropriate management options. Extension Program: Several outreatch presentations have been delivered describing the need and progress of this project (see products section) and a course module wasdeveloped that andused to guide thetraining of Agricultural Retailers in2021. We have also completedsummary videos of the project and field sites that are posted on webpages maintained by the Ohio 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program (https://4rcertified.org/ohio-research/) and Ohio TNC, as well as OSU sites.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Brooker, M.; DAmbrosio, J.; Jones, M.; Kalcic, M.; King, K.; LaBarge, G.; Panchalingam, T.; Roe, B.; Schwab, E.; Soldo, C.; Stoltzfus*, N.; Wilson, R.; Winston, R.; Martin, J. 2021. A Public-Private Partnership to Locate Fields for Implementation and Monitoring of Best Management Practices to Treat Legacy Phosphorus. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 5: 742817.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Kast, J.; Kalcic, M.; Wilson, R.; Jackson-Smith, D.; Breyfogle, N; Martin, J. 2021. Evaluating the Efficacy of Targeting Options for Conservation Practice Adoption on Watershed-Scale Phosphorus Reductions. Water Research. 117375.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Samantha Francis, Jay Martin, Brian Roe, Chad Penn. 2021. American Geophysical Union Fall Conference. December 10. New Orleans. H022-01 - Economic and Energetic Evaluation of Phosphorus Filters and Constructed Wetlands
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Rachelle Crow, Jay Martin, Nathan Stoltzfus, Michael Brooker, Kevin King, Samantha Francis. ASABE Annual Meeting. July 12. Virtual. Evaluating the Impacts of Precipitation on Phosphorus Runoff from Agricultural Fields with Elevated Soil Phosphorus.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Samantha Francis, Jay Martin1, Brian Roe, Chad Penn. ASABE Annual Meeting. July 12. Phosphorus Filters in Legacy Phosphorus Agricultural Fields: An Economic and Energetic Evaluation
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Rachelle Crow, Jay Martin, Nathan Stoltzfus, Michael Brooker, Kevin King, Samantha Francis. AEES Annual Meeting. May 26. Virtual. Evaluating the Impacts of Precipitation on Phosphorus Runoff from Agricultural Fields with Elevated Soil Phosphorus.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Samantha Francis, Jay Martin1, Brian Roe, Chad Penn. AEES Annual Meeting. May 26. Virtual. Phosphorus Filters in Legacy Phosphorus Agricultural Fields: An Economic and Energetic Evaluation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Jay F. Martin (October 13, 2021). Managing Legacy Phosphorus from Agricultural Fields Located Through a Public-Private Partnership, presented virtually at the Western Lake Erie Basin Partnership Meeting Attendance ~70
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Greg LaBarge (March 9, 2022). Water quality impacts of fields with high soil test Phosphorus, presented at Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, Ada, Ohio, USA Attendance ~70
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Jay F. Martin (March 9, 2022). Impacts of conservation practices (filters and wetlands) on fields with high P, presented at Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, Ada, Ohio, USA Attendance ~70
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Nathan D. Stoltzfus (April 6, 2022). Identifying and Managing Agricultural Fields with Elevated Soil Test Phosphorus in the western Lake Erie basin through Public-Private Partnerships. presented at the Conservation Drainage Network Annual Meeting,Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA Attendance: ~40
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Nathan D. Stoltzfus (April 19, 2022). Williams County Phosphorus Removal Structure. field day as part of the Waste to Worth Conference - Alternative Technologies and Treatments Tour, hosted by The Ohio State University Attendance: ~60
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Michael R. Brooker (May 20, 2022). Does Runoff from Agricultural Fields with Legacy Phosphorus Have Greater Nutrient Concentrations? presented at Joint Aquatic Science Meeting, Grand Rapids, MI, USA Attendance: ~20
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Michael R. Brooker (March 9, 2022). Characteristics of fields with high soil test P and partnerships with Agricultural Retailers, presented at Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, Ada, Ohio, USA Attendance ~70
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Michael R. Brooker [for Jay F. Martin] (May 20, 2022). Guiding Management of Lake Erie Watersheds with Models and Field Studies to Reduce Algae Blooms. presented at Joint Aquatic Science Meeting, Grand Rapids, MI, USA Attendance: ~20
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Jay F. Martin. Locating and Applying Ecological Engineering to Reduce Lake Erie Algae Blooms, presented at American Ecological Engineering Society Conference, Baltimore, MD, USA
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Sam Francis [for Rachelle Crowe] (Accepted). Evaluation of an edge-of-field stacked conservation practice on a legacy-P field, presented at American Ecological Engineering Society, Baltimore, MD, USA


Progress 08/15/20 to 08/14/21

Outputs
Target Audience:To increase knowledge of water quality impacts of legacy phosphorus fields and the benefits of targeting BMPs to address these impacts, we havedeveloped an extension program and learning modules focused on the following audiences: future and curernt producers, Nutrient Service Providers (NSPs), certified crop advisors, and county extension educators. Changes/Problems:Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions we are delayed in establishing our final two field sites. These sites have been identified and we are now completing designs for a phosphorus filter and wetland to be installed and monitored. We will request a No Cost Extension, so that we will have sufficient time to monitor these sites and gather robust data to draw conclusions. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The following individuals are benefiting from training and professional development related to this project. Currently three graduate students have been hired to focus on this project (1 MS, 2 PHD). One post doc has been hired with efforts focused on this project. One Project Engineer is leading the design, installation and maintenance of the management practices and monitoring. One Laboratory Technician is leading analysis of water samples. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Several outreatch presentations have been delivered describing the need and progress of this project (see products section). We have also established a webpage on the Ohio 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification page to disseminate project information and results. We also debrief and recieve feedback from our Stakeholder Advisory Group twice a year. Based on an evaluation of Stakeholders by the External Evaluator they are very pleased with progress and results so far. The conclusion from the 2nd year report from the External Evaluator is included below in italics. Based on this Year 2 evaluation, the Elevated Phosphorus Fields Project is approaching project related goals. As such, the research team appropriately adjusted their activities to mitigate the impacts of a global pandemic. There is an external perception that intentional actions and interactions of the research team, early on and continually, has allowed for this project to flourish and exceed expectations. The research team is believed to have a command of the intricacies associated with the research sites and the local farming community. Thus, allowing for appropriate project design and local buy-in and the ultimate success of the project. Key stakeholders endorse the notion that the Elevated Phosphorus Fields Project will lead to the use of best management practices. This perception is fueled by the fact that the research team uses credible data as the basis of education regarding responsible farming. More importantly, preliminary research data and its dissemination has provided answers to longstanding questions within the farming community regarding Phosphorus. Lastly, external stakeholders are optimistic that this project will meet its overall goals. And it is believed that this project, if scaled, will impact generations of farmers. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Maintain existing field sites and continue to collect and analyze water quality data to assess nutrient runoff and ability of management practices to improve water quality 2. Complete installation of managment practices and monitoring systems at two final fields sites 3. Complete focus groups to assess the motivations and disincentives for NSP and farmer participation in programs targeting BMPs to legacy P fields. Use the information to develop recommendations to expand the reach of future Public Private Partnerships to identify and manage legacy phosphorus sites. 4. Continue extension efforts with presentations and development of outreach and educational materials, as well as engagement of Stakeholder Advisory Group.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The Public Private Partnership (PPP) has been established, maintained and has successfully identifying 12 elevated P fields where nutrient runoff is being monitored andmanangement practices have been installed and are being evaluated. Currently we have two sites where phosphorus filters have been installed and are being monitored, and another site where this practice will be installed in 2022. Currently we have two sites where drainage water management has been installed and is being monitored. Currently we have one site where a constructed wetland is being installed along with monitoring, and another site where this practice will be installed in 2022. We have acquired a $360k grant from the state of Ohio to support the design and constuction of this wetland facility. We also have fiveadditional sites that we are currently monitoring to identify if and what type of management should be installed. We anticipate evaluating this data and making decisions in 2021. Lower than expected phosphorus concentrations were initially detected at these five sites, and after consultation with our Stakeholder Advisory Group, it was decided to monitor only for two years before selecting appropriate management options. Extension Program: Several outreatch presentations have been delivered describing the need and progress of this project (see products section) and a course module is being developed that will be used for training in 2021. We have also completed a summary videos of the project and field sitesthat areposted onwebpagesmaintained by the Ohio 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program (https://4rcertified.org/ohio-research/) and Ohio TNC, as well as OSU sites.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Jay F. Martin (July 22, 2021). Updates on the Public-Private Partnership to Locate Legacy-P Fields, presented at the Water Quality Meeting, virtually hosted by Ohio Corn & Wheat and Ohio Soybean Council, Worthington OH, USA Attendance ~20
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Sam R. Francis (July 14, 2021). Phosphorus Retention Structures in Legacy Phosphorus Agricultural Fields: An Economic and Energetic Evaluation, presented virtually at American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Attendance 25
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Rachelle Crow (July 14, 2021). Evaluating the Impacts of Precipitation on Phosphorus Runoff from Agricultural Fields with Elevated Soil Phosphorus, presented virtually at American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Attendance 25
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Rachelle Crow (May 26, 2021). Comparing the Effects on Precipitation on Phosphorus Runoff from Agricultural Fields with Elevated and Non-Elevated Soil Phosphorus, presented at American Ecological Engineering Society, virtually hosted by The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, USA Attendance ~30
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Sam R. Francis (May 25, 2021). Evaluating Edge-of-Field Best Management Practices in-situ with Energetic and Economic Analysis, presented at American Ecological Engineering Society, virtually hosted by The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, USA Attendance ~20
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Michael R. Brooker (May 25, 2021). Managing Legacy Phosphorus Loads from Agricultural Fields Located through a Public-Private Partnership, presented at American Ecological Engineering Society, virtually hosted by The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, USA Attendance ~20
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Rachelle Crow (April 27, 2021). Precipitation Effects on Phosphorus Losses from Elevated Phosphorus Fields, presented as a virtual seminar for OSU Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering, Columbus, Ohio, USA Attendance ~50
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Sam R. Francis (April 13, 2021). A novel cost-benefit-analysis for agricultural runoff treatment structures, presented as a virtual seminar for OSU Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering, Columbus, Ohio, USA Attendance ~50
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Nathan D. Stoltzfus (March 3, 2021). Williams County Phosphorus Filter Video, presented by Ohio TNC on Facebook Live, Attendance ~300
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Rachelle Crow (October 7, 2020). Climatic Effects on Phosphorus Losses from Legacy Phosphorus Fields, presented as a virtual seminar for OSU Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering, Columbus, Ohio, USA Attendance ~20


Progress 08/15/19 to 08/14/20

Outputs
Target Audience:To increase knowledge of water quality impacts of legacy phosphorus fields and the benefits of targeting BMPs to address these impacts, we have begun to develop an extension program and learning modules focused on the following audiences: future and curernt producers,Nutrient Service Providers (NSPs),certified crop advisors, and county extension educators. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The following individuals are benefiting from training and professional development related to this project. Currentlythree graduate students have been hired to focus on this project (1 MS, 2PHD). Onepost doc has been hired with efforts focused on this project. One Project Engineer is leading the design, installation and maintenance of the management practices and monitoring. One Laboratory Technician is leading analysis of water samples. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Several outreatch presentations have been delivered describing the need and progress of this project (see products section). We have also established a webpage on the Ohio4R Nutrient StewardshipCertification page to disseminate project information and results. https://4rcertified.org/ohio-research/ What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Complete identification of field sites (need to add one more). 2. Complete installation of managment practices and monitoring systems at fields sites 3. Complete focus groups to assess the motivations and disincentives for NSP and farmer participation in programs targeting BMPs to legacy P fields. 4. Continue extension efforts with presentations and development of outreach and educational materials.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The Public Private Partnership (PPP) has been established, maintained and has successfully identifying elevated P fields where manangement practices have been installed and are being monitored. Currently we have two sites where phosphorus filters have been installed and are being monitored, and another site where this practice will be installed in 2021. Currently we havetwo sites where drainage water management has been installed and is being monitored. Currently we have one site where a constructed wetland is being installed along with monitoring, and another site where this practice will be installed in 2021. We also havefour additional sites that we are currently monitoring to identify if and what type of management should be installed. We anticipate evaluating this data and making decisions in 2021. Extension Program: Several outreatch presentations have been delivered describing the need and progress of this project (see products section) and a course module is being developed that will be used for training in 2021. We have also completed a summary video of the project that is posted on the project webpage that is maintained by the Ohio 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program (https://4rcertified.org/ohio-research/).

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Jay F. Martin (September 12, 2019). A Public-Private Partnership for Elevated Phosphorus Fields, presented at Understanding Harmful Algal Blooms: State of the Science, Toledo, Ohio, USA Attendance ~300
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Nathan Stoltzfus and Michael Brooker (September 17-19, 2019). Water Quality Initiatives presented at the Ohio State University Farm Science Review, West Jefferson, Ohio, USA Attendance >100
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Michael R. Brooker (October 7, 2019). Watershed Modeling and Analysis at Ohio State University, presented at Lake Erie Modelling Workshop, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Attendance ~30
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Michael R. Brooker and Jay F. Martin (April 15, 2020). Locating Elevated Phosphorus Fields Through a Public Private Partnership to Track Impacts of Best Management Practices, presented as a webinar for the Water Management Association of Ohio Luncheon Seminar, Columbus, Ohio, USA Attendance ~80
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Michael R. Brooker (June 18, 2020). A Public-Private Partnership to Track the Impacts of Best Management Practices Located At Elevated Phosphorus Fields, presented as a webinar for The Nature Conservancy Lunch and Learn Series, Defiance, Ohio, USA Attendance ~20
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Jay Martin (November 3, 2020). Developing a Public-Private Partnership to Manage Elevated Phosphorus Fields For Agricultural Production and Water Quality, presented as a webinar for The Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research: Virtual Great Lakes Seminar Series, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA Attendance ~80


Progress 08/15/18 to 08/14/19

Outputs
Target Audience:To increase knowledge of water quality impacts of legacy phosphorusfields and the benefits oftargeting BMPs to address these impacts, we have begun todevelop an extension program focused on the following audiences: future farmers and Nutrient Service Providers (NSPs), and current farmers, and NSPs. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The following individuals are benefiting from training and professional development related to this project. Currently 3graduate students have been hired to focus on this project (1 MS, 1 PHD). 1 post doc has been hired with efforts focused on this project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Several outreatch presentations have been delivered describing the need and progress of this project (see products section). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Complete identification of field sites 2. Complete installation of managment practices and monitoring systems at fields sites 3. Complete focus groups to assessthe motivations and disincentives for NSP and farmer participation in programs targeting BMPs to legacy P fields. 4. Continue extension efforts with presentations and development of outreach and educationalmaterials.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Public Private Partnership (PPP) has been established and is successfully identifying elevated P fields where manangement practices will be installed and monitored:With stakeholder guidance, we began developing the PPP in early 2017 with two main goals: 1) utilize proprietary field data to target BMPs to legacy P fields, and 2) engage trusted sources (NSPs) to connect with farmers to promote BMPs on these fields. Farmers in this area are more likely to receive guidance about nutrient stewardship from their fertilizer applicator or dealer than from their local soil and water conservation district (Prokup et al. 2017). Therefore, we have established thePPP to build upon farmer's relationships with NSPs to direct BMPs to legacy P fields. After initial discussions between PDs from OSU and The Nature Conservancy, meetings were held with the Ohio AgriBusinees Association (OABA) in early 2017 seeking guidance about how best to engage NSPs and farmers to form a PPP. OABA supported the idea and suggested linkages with the existing 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program. OABA then sent invitations to NSPs in the Maumee watershed to participate in the PPP. During spring 2017, the research team met with four NSPs to determine how to develop the PPP, and identify and recruit farmers with legacy P fields. These NSPs agreed to be part of thePPP with OSU researchers and utilize their soil P data to recruit 14farmers with legacy P fields for this study. They also agreed to collaborate with the research team, farmers and other NSPs to develop methods to guide future formation of PPPs. Identification of 14Elevated P Fields and Recruitment of Farmers:The four NSPs reviewed their databases and highlighted fields with soil test P values greater than 100 mg/kg (Mehlich 3P)in the top 20 cm (8 in) of soil. These fields have at least 2.5 times the maximum recommended agronomic range of 15-40 mg/kg P2O5. After identifying potential fields and farm operators, the NSPs described the project to farmers and invite participation. Volunteering farmers, the NSP and the research team will then reviewedpotential fields to ensure that characteristics suit the project. Beyond elevated soil test P values, desired field characteristics for monitoring BMP effectiveness include a size of 20 to 40 acres, concentrated drainage (one outflow for both subsurface and surface flows, and hydrological isolation from neighboring fields), and other characteristicsrepresentative of agricultural practices in this tile-drained watershed.We are collaborating with USDA-ARS to include two existing legacy P field sites that are part of the USDA-ARS edge-of-field monitoring program. As of August 2019, we have identified 12 field sites that will be included in the study, and plan to have management and monitoring in place at 6 of the sites by the end of 2019. Extension Program:Several outreatch presentations have been delivered describing the need and progress of this project (see products section).

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Jay F. Martin (January 18, 2019). Public-Private Partnership to Identify and Manage Agricultural Fields with Elevated P Concentrations, presented at All-Ohio Chapter SWCS Annual Conference: Sharpen the Scalpel  Tools to Identify High-Risk Conservation Needs, West Jefferson, Ohio, USA. Attendance ~40
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Margaret M. Kalcic (February 7, 2019). Tools and partnerships for supporting agriculture and water quality in western Lake Erie watersheds, presented at Ohio Dairy Producers Association Board Meeting, Columbus, Ohio, USA. Attendance ~25
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Jay F. Martin (February 19, 2019). Public-Private Partnerships to Identify and Manage Agricultural Fields with Elevated P Concentrations, presented at Nutrient Application Rates hosted by Williams County SWCD, Bryan, Ohio, USA. Attendance ~70
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Michael R. Brooker (February 25, 2019). Forming Public-Private Partnerships to Identify & Manage Ag Fields with Elevated P in the WLEB, presented to the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts 2019 Annual Conference: Conservation Crusade, Columbus, Ohio, USA Attendance ~30
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Nathan D. Stoltzfus and Jay F. Martin (March 6, 2019). Private-Public Partnership and BMPs for elevated P fields, presented at Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, Ada, Ohio, USA Attendance ~104
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Nathan D. Stoltzfus (June 5, 2019). Water Quality Initiatives, presented at Fulton County Breakfast on the Farm, Fayette, Ohio, USA
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Nathan D. Stoltzfus (June 5, 2019). Forming Public-Private Partnerships to Identify and Manage Agricultural Fields with Elevated Phosphorus in the Western Lake Erie Basin, presented at American Ecological Engineering Society, Asheville, North Carolina, USA Attendance ~30
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Michael R. Brooker (July 9, 2019). Forming Public-Private Partnerships to Identify and Manage Agricultural Fields with Elevated Phosphorus in the western Lake Erie basin, presented at American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, Boston, Massachusettes, USA Attendance ~30
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Nathan D. Stoltzfus (July 17, 2019). Update on Elevated P Field Project, presented at Field to Lake, Kalida, Ohio, USA Attendance ~40
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Nathan D. Stoltzfus (July 23, 2019). Update on Elevated P Field Project, presented at Blanchard River Demonstration Farms Tour, Hardin and Hancock Counties, Ohio, USA Attendance ~60
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Elevated phosphorus study progressing in Maumee Watershed. July 9, 2019. M. Reese, Ohio Country Journal
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: New Study Will Track Ways to Cut Runoff from Elevated Phosphorus Fields. November 7, 2018. K. Knebusch, OSU CFAES News Releases. Articles were run in at least the following publications: " Ohio Farmer " Feedstuffs " The Crescent-News " Morning AgClips