Resources

Upper Scioto River Watershed

With support from the Harte Charitable Foundation, AFT is partnering with stakeholders in the Upper Scioto River Watershed to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loss from farmland. This project aims to improve water quality in the Upper Scioto River Watershed and achieve a 30% nitrate-N reduction established by the 2006 Upper Scioto Watershed Action Plan. Nitrate-N will be measured at the surface water intake areas for the city of Columbus to ensure the city’s source of drinking water is protected.

Drive Awareness and Adoption of the best farming practices to achieve cleaner water and farmer/landowner profitability.
Use a market-based approach to facilitate an Agricultural-municipal Partnership designed to achieve cleaner water and farmer/landowner profitability.

How does TSP, or “Triple,” impact the Upper Scioto River Watershed? “Triple” was one of the first high-analysis phosphorus (P) fertilizers widely used in agriculture. Many older farmers remember it fondly. A decade or two ago, US fertilizer manufacturers shifted production away from TSP and toward MAP. Soon, the domestic output of TSP ceased, and it slowly disappeared from the marketplace. Download our fact sheet to learn more.

Why Does the Upper Scioto River Watershed Matter?

Central Ohio watersheds, including the Upper Scioto River Watershed, are prioritized in the Ohio Nutrient Reduction Strategy as they contribute significant loading from agriculture and are key levers to achieving Gulf hypoxia goals (Ohio EPA, 2013). These statistics illustrate that Central Ohio significantly and disproportionately impacts Gulf water quality. Given the predominance of agriculture—in land use, economic importance, and political power—working with farmers and landowners is the only way to lower current nutrient inputs.

View the Farming for Cleaner Water StoryMap