H2Ohio Program and Resources

The Ohio Department of Agriculture's H2Ohio program provides cost-share funding for farmers to implement proven, science-based best management practices (BMPs).  These BMPs minimize the agricultural loss of nutrients from farm fields, with the ultimate goal of reducing the nutrient load into the waterways that contribute towards harmful algal blooms.  Click here to review the current Practice Overview and Practice Standards.  

Enrolled producers are currently working on BMPs for the 2026 and 2027 crop years.
A Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan or equivalent documentation is required for enrollment.  Plans will be developed in the 'MyFarms' application program with assistance from SWCD staff.

Minimum Requirements of Ohio Voluntary Nutrient Management Plans - ORC 905.31(DD):
  • Soil tests must be compliant with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) field office technical guide and not older than four years.
  • Documentation of the method and seasonal time of utilization and application of nutrients.
  • Identification of all nutrients applied, including manure, fertilizer, sewage sludge, and bio-digester residue.
  • Field information regarding land subject to the plan, including the location, spreadable acreage, crops grown, and actual and projected yields.

Producers enrolled in H2Ohio are also expected to seek certification through the Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative.

If you have any questions or are interested in participating in the H2Ohio program in Lucas County, please contact:
Matthew Browne
H2Ohio Technician
Office: (419) 893-1966 ext. 3#
Mobile: (419) 377-0901
[email protected]

Lucas County H2Ohio Phosphorus Reduction CY 2024 Program Summary

Additional Funding Sources

Producers enrolled in H2Ohio are eligible to receive additional funding through other cost-share payment programs that incentivize the same/similar work they are doing through the H2Ohio program.  These could include USDA-NRCS funding such as EQIP or CSP, carbon market programs, private cover crop programs, etc. 

One such program is The Nature Conservancy's Farmers for Soil Health, that can provide additional funding and technical support for cover crops.

H2Ohio Statewide Wetland Grant Program

The H2Ohio Wetland Grant Program is a reimbursement grant program that provides up-to-100 percent project funding for high quality natural- infrastructure projects focused on nutrient reduction and water quality improvement in Northwest Ohio.

This grant program is state-funded through Ohio’s H2Ohio program and is administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Per-project budget must be justified in the application; there is no minimum funding request and no maximum funding cap.
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H2Ohio projects in the Western Lake Erie Basin watershed are funded in an open, rolling framework, in a non-competitive process. Interested applicants with projects located in the below counties are eligible for H2Ohio funding.

More information about the grant program and current application cycle can be found here: H2Ohio Wetland Grant Program
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Types of Eligible H2Ohio Wetland or Natural-Infrastructure Projects Include:
  • Wetland creation
  • Hydrologic restoration of wetlands on hydric soils
  • Hydrologic enhancement of existing wetlands, floodplains, and riparian corridors
  • Stream, conservation channel design and floodplain restoration
  • Restoration of forested riparian buffers
  • Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Abatement Projects
  • Dam removal and associated restoration
  • Property acquisition if associated with water quality restoration project
  • Storm-water retention and/or green infrastructure projects