Tackling Water Quality Challenges

Farmers, Fertilizer Companies, Groups Working to Address Water Quality Issues. Blair said various groups in the region, wanting to act on their own on the algae issue, could not convince Ohio Gov. John Kasich to meet with them. Instead, the Republican governor allocated $3 billion to improve water works and various other projects in the area, he said.It was frustrating not to be heard by the governor, Blair said. As a fertilizer retailer, The Andersons is on the front lines in attempting to ensure fertilizer is applied correctly and that runoff into Lake Erie is limited, he said. The algae is caused from high levels of phosphorus in the lake.Among the practices The Andersons are advocating is the 4R program: the right source, at the right rate, at the right time and at the right place."There is a spectrum of the 4Rs, and we have to help farmers build up speed in this process," Blair said.Blair admitted not many of his farmer customers are utilizing the system currently. Farmers are struggling with trying to make a profit, and a program like the 4Rs is not a priority, he said.Retailers have to be the first group to work on implementing the system, show farmers they can remain profitable and make sure the environment is safe from fertilizer runoff, he said. Retailers need to show their services, as well as their products, are valuable.