At Maranatha Acres, we take pride in being stewards of the land, ensuring that it’s not only productive today but remains healthy and sustainable for future generations. One way we live out this mission is by planting cover crops—a practice we’ve used since the 1990s. Adding the H2Ohio program to our conservation efforts has helped us amplify the benefits of cover crops while contributing to cleaner water across Ohio.
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s a commitment to doing what’s best for our soil, water, and community.
Why Do We Use Cover Crops In Our Operation?
Cover crops play a vital role in protecting and improving the land we farm. Cereal rye and sometimes even adding wheat to the mix are our primary choices, and for good reason:
- Fast-Growing and Winter-Hardy: These grains get established quickly after harvest and can handle Ohio’s tough winters. This ensures our soil remains protected year-round, reducing the risk of erosion from wind or water.
- Erosion Control: Sandy soils, in particular, are vulnerable to being blown away or washed out during winter storms and spring thaws. Cover crops act as a protective blanket, holding the soil in place.
- Yield Advantages: We’ve observed 20-30 bushel per acre increases in corn yields on sandy soils planted into early spring terminated rye. The Cereal Rye has helped increase organic matter and improved water retention in our lighter soils making a significant difference in production.
Planting cover crops has become second nature to us, but it’s more than just a habit—it’s an investment in the future of our farm and the environment.
What Is the H2Ohio Program?
H2Ohio is a statewide initiative aimed at improving water quality by promoting sustainable farming practices. The program incentivizes farmers to adopt methods that reduce nutrient runoff, preserve soil health, and protect Ohio’s waterways.
Here are some of the key practices supported by H2Ohio:
- Cover Crops: Planting crops like cereal rye or wheat to reduce erosion, improve soil health, and prevent nutrients from running off into nearby waterways.
- Nutrient Management Plans: Precision application of fertilizers to ensure nutrients are used efficiently and don’t enter streams or rivers unnecessarily.
- Manure Incorporation: Injecting manure below the soil surface to prevent runoff and maximize nutrient uptake.
- Subsurface Phosphorus Placement: Applying phosphorus fertilizers below the surface to reduce runoff and improve plant absorption.
According to the H2Ohio FY24 Report, over 1.5 million acres of farmland in Ohio are now enrolled in conservation practices like these, with more than 2,700 nutrient management plans in place.
The Role of H2Ohio and its Impact On Our Farm
The H2Ohio program has played a vital role in supporting and expanding our conservation efforts at Maranatha Acres. With its assistance, we’ve significantly increased the number of acres planted with cover crops, enhancing soil protection and nutrient retention across our farm. This expansion includes adding more wheat acres each year, further building on our sustainability goals. Additionally, H2Ohio’s nutrient management plans have transformed how we apply fertilizers, ensuring every pound is used efficiently, reducing runoff, and helping protect Ohio’s waterways.
The impact of these practices is clear on our farm. Cover crops like cereal rye and wheat have strengthened our soils by increasing organic matter, particularly in sandy areas, which helps improve water retention and soil fertility. They also act as a shield against erosion, preserving our fields during tough weather conditions. Most importantly, we’ve seen better yields—planting corn into terminated rye has consistently delivered higher productivity, demonstrating that conservation practices can be both environmentally and economically beneficial.
Together, these improvements reinforce our commitment to sustainable farming and protecting the land for future generations. Programs like H2Ohio give farmers like us the resources and support needed to make meaningful changes, ensuring healthier soils and cleaner water for all.
The combination of cover crops and other H2Ohio practices has made a noticeable difference on our farm:
- Stronger Soils: By increasing organic matter, particularly in sandy soils, cover crops help improve water retention and soil fertility.
- Reduced Erosion: Rye and/or wheat keep soil in place, even during tough weather conditions, preserving the integrity of our fields.
- Better Yields: We’ve seen firsthand how planting into terminated rye boosts corn yields, proving that conservation efforts can be both environmentally and economically beneficial.
These improvements reinforce our commitment to sustainable farming.
Faith, Family, and Farming for the Future
Our approach to farming is rooted in our faith and family values. Stewardship is at the heart of what we do—we believe it’s our responsibility to care for the land God has entrusted to us. Cover crops and H2Ohio are tools that help us fulfill that responsibility, ensuring that the land remains healthy and productive for generations to come.
Each field on our farm is unique, and we manage them individually to maximize their potential. For sandy soils, cover crops like cereal rye are a must to prevent erosion and build organic matter. For heavier clay fields, we adjust our practices to fit their needs. Regardless of the soil type, our goal is the same: leave it better than we found it.
Encouraging Other Farmers
If you’re a farmer considering cover crops or joining the H2Ohio program, here’s what we’ve learned:
- Start Small: Test cover crops on a few acres to see how they work for your farm.
- Know Your Soils: Each field is different. Understanding how your soil responds to cover crops is key to getting the most out of them.
- Take Advantage of Resources: Programs like H2Ohio make it easier to implement conservation practices, offering financial incentives to offset the additional effort.
By working together, farmers can protect our most important resources—soil and water—while growing stronger, healthier crops.
Conclusion
At Maranatha Acres, we’re proud to use cover crops and participate in the H2Ohio program to protect soil and water. These practices not only improve our farm but also contribute to cleaner water and healthier soils across Ohio.
If you’re interested in learning more about cover crops or the H2Ohio program, we’d love to share our experiences. Together, we can build a better future for farming in Ohio.