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Long term effects to Ohio’s soil and water amid drought

There are concerns about the long-term impacts of this year’s drought.

The severe drought conditions plaguing much of Ohio will cause challenges well beyond this growing season. 

Jeff Duling is the president of the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

“It’s compacting. There’s a lot of cracks out there, I’m afraid,” he says. “If we do get a big rain, we’re going to have some ground moving with nutrients moving into the rivers. We’re trying to figure out ways to protect it.”

He tells Brownfield implementing conservation practices will help in the long run.

“Moisture wise we get about thirty inches of rain a year,” he says. “We eventually catch up, so I’m afraid someday we’re gonna get wet real fast, and then we’re gonna have to worry about how to hold this soil. I’ll still be talking cover crops.”

Drought resources have been made available and farmers can contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District.

AUDIO: Jeff Duling, Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts