Indiana Conservation Partnership (ICP) achieves a remarkable milestone, surpassing previous records with the installation of more than 47,000 new conservation practices in 2022, a substantial increase of over 15,000 from the previous year.
Supporting Hoosier landowners, the ICP offers technical and financial assistance for the implementation of conservation projects, contributing to the state's ongoing efforts in land and water conservation.
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "This year was another record-setting season for Hoosier farmers and landowners," praising their dedication to preserving and enhancing their lands for future generations. The achievement is credited to the collaborative efforts of the Indiana Conservation Partnership and other organizations supporting Indiana's farmers and landowners.
According to the ICP's report, landowners in Indiana have successfully prevented over 1.8 million tons of sediment, more than 3.9 million pounds of nitrogen, and over 1.9 million pounds of phosphorus from entering waterways in the past year. Additionally, the implementation of cover crops and no-till practices, with assistance from the ICP, has resulted in the sequestration of an estimated 48,000 tons of soil organic carbon – equivalent to the carbon emissions of over 34,843 cars.
Key Statistics:
- Total living cover in all crops: 1.5 million acres
- Living cover in corn: 550,000 acres
- Living cover in soybeans: 780,000 acres
Recognizing the importance of soil conservation in maintaining agricultural productivity, David Doctorian, acting state conservationist at Indiana Natural Resources Conservation Service, commended Indiana farmers for their commitment to adopting soil health principles and systems on their lands.
Director Don Lamb of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture acknowledged the voluntary efforts of farmers, highlighting their willingness to undertake additional work for the betterment of the soil and the world.
Photo Credit: pexels-Puwadon Sang-ngern
Categories: Indiana, Crops, Government & Policy