One Month Left to Apply for Phosphorus Reduction FundingÌý

Year 2 of theÌýÌýis coming to a close this month. Farmers who have kept their soil covered this winter by using cover crops or reduced tillage practices are encouraged toÌýsubmitÌýtheir application before the deadline (February 28, 2026).Ìý

The application process is quick and straightforward, and funding is still available!Ìý

The program supports on-farm practices that reduce phosphorus losses to local waterways. Eligible practices include cover crops, reduced tillage, 4R nutrient stewardship, manure management improvements, and cost-shared funding for a range of additional best management practices.Ìý

There are many practical ways to reduce phosphorus losses, and producers can choose the practices that best fit their operation. Planting cover crops and using reduced tillage help protect soil from erosion and keep soil-bound phosphorus in place. Following 4R nutrient stewardship practices ensure fertilizer is applied at the right rate, source, time, and place, reducing excess phosphorus and runoff risk. Applying manure to fields with lower soil phosphorus levels can further reduce losses. Projects such as windbreaks, riparian buffers, and wetlands also help slow runoff, hold water on the landscape, and naturally filter out nutrients before they reach waterways.

The UTRCA is happy to be working with local landowners to support practical, farm-driven solutions that protect soil health and improve water quality across the watershed.

Farmers interested in participating are encouraged to apply, before the end of the month, to take advantage of available funding.Ìý

Visit the Phosphorus Reduction Program page for more information, or contactÌýChris Van Esbroeck, UTRCA Agricultural Stewardship Specialist.

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Phosphorus in our WatershedÌý

This January, the ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA), with support from the Canada Water Agency, launched “Phosphorus in our Watershed,” a specialized educational initiative for local Grade 9 Science students. In this three-part program, UTRCA Community Education staff reached nearly 100 students across four classes in the northern part of our watershed at Stratford District Secondary School and St. Michael Catholic Secondary School. Ìý

Phosphorus in our Watershed invites high school students to examine how agricultural phosphorus fertilizers run off into local waterways and result in harmful algae blooms in Lake Erie. The program is delivered through three consecutive in-class sessions involving a watershed simulation game, an interactive erosion experiment, and a hands-on project that tasks students with managing the environmental footprint of a farm. The program encourages students to weigh the effectiveness of various conservation strategies against the economic and operational realities of modern farming. It concludes with formal group presentations where students defend their chosen strategies, demonstrating proficiency in critical thinking, communication, and environmental stewardship.Ìý

By focusing on the Thames River’s downstream impact on Lake Erie, the program teaches students how land use can have broad and far-reaching impacts on the health of our water. The program highlights local farmers who champion Best Management Practices (BMPs), farm practices that help curb nutrient loss from farms without compromising the viability of agricultural operations. By implementing strategies such as planting cover crops to hold soil in place, establishing buffer strips along creeks to filter runoff, or using precision nutrient management to apply fertilizer more accurately, BMPs can significantly lower the amount of phosphorus that reaches the Great Lakes, as well as deliver potential benefits to farmers such as improved soil health and long-term fertilizer savings. Understanding BMPs allows students to see that environmental protection is not about stopping human activity, but rather about refining our methods to ensure long-term ecological resilience.Ìý

ThisÌýprogramÌýis offered at no cost toÌýparticipatingÌýschools and is designed to meet specific Grade 9 Science curriculum expectations while fostering 21st-century competencies.ÌýItÌýserves as a vital bridge between the classroom and the community, empowering the next generation to take an active role in protecting our shared water resources.Ìý

UTRCA’s education work on phosphorus extends beyond this Grade 9 initiative and includes complementary programming for other grade levels, teacher professional development, and tools/resources that help educators bring local water quality topics into the classroom. UTRCA also connects learning to stewardship actions that build understanding and responsibility for protecting waterways and downstream Great Lakes health.Ìý

Now Open – Upper Thames Phosphorus Reduction Program Year 2

The Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program is now accepting applications for year two with an expanded list of funding categories designed to support practical, on-the-ground improvements. Ìý

This year, we have added 4R Phosphorus Management which includes up to $15/acre for Crop Nutrient Planning and Soil Testing, and $50/acre for applying manure to low phosphorus soils plus a bonus of an additional $10/acre for those practicing both Cover Crops and Reduced Tillage! Available funding categories include:Ìý

• Cover CropsÌý
• Reduced TillageÌý
• Soil Testing and Crop Nutrient Planning – newÌý
• Subsurface Phosphorus PlacementÌý
• Manure Management – Applying Manure to Low P Soils – newÌý
• Tree PlantingÌý
• Erosion ControlÌý
• Clean Water DiversionÌý
• Restricting Livestock Access to Watercourses and WetlandsÌý
• Innovative ActionÌý

Visit the UTRCA and apply today!Ìý

Local Landowners Lead the Way in Phosphorus Reduction EffortsÌýÌý

With funding from the Canada Water Agency, the ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) launched the in the fall of last year, to help reduce the amount of phosphorus reaching Lake Erie. While phosphorus enters the environment in many ways, one of the most challenging sources to manage is runoff from rain events, especially across large rural and agricultural areas. This program is designed to support and strengthen on-the-ground efforts by offering funding, tools, and technical guidance to implement practical solutions that work for individual farms as well as the entire watershed.ÌýÌý

The first year of this program was a success with over 595 on-the-ground projects across more than 35,000 acres – leading to an estimated annual reduction of 12,500 pounds of phosphorus entering the Upper Thames River. These results were made possible through actions like reduced tillage, cover crops, crop nutrient planning, erosion control, and more. Next month, we will be launching year two – with more project categories and opportunities to get involved. Thank you to everyone who is helping to protect the watershed and shape a healthier future for generations to come. Stay tuned!ÌýÌýÌý