New record set for conservation practices in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Conservation Partnership announced its 2022 conservation accomplishments, including ICP’s installation of over 47,000 new conservation practices, up more than 15,000 from 2021.

The ICP works with Hoosier landowners to provide technical or financial assistance for the implementation of conservation projects.

“It was so encouraging to see that this year was another record-setting season for Hoosier farmers and landowners,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch.

“These businesses are passionate about protecting and enhancing their lands for generations to come and this year was no different. This record is thanks to the Indiana Conservation Partnership and many others who help our Hoosier farmers and landowners succeed.”

The ICP report showed that over the last year, landowners helped prevent over 1.8 million tons of sediment, over 3.9 million pounds of nitrogen and over 1.9 million pounds of phosphorus from entering Indiana waterways.

Cover crops and no-till practices implemented with ICP’s assistance sequestered an estimated 48,000 tons of soil organic carbon, which is the equivalent to the carbon emissions of more than 34,843 cars.

By The Numbers

• 1.5 million acres — total living cover in all crops.

• 550,000 acres — living cover in corn.

• 780,000 acres — living cover in soybeans.

“Indiana’s exceptional agricultural production is rooted in the soil. In a time when extreme weather events seem to be on the rise, keeping soil on the farm, healthy and productive is of paramount importance,” said David Doctorian, acting state conservationist at Indiana Natural Resources Conservation Service.

“Indiana farmers are making great strides in adopting soil health principles and systems on their land.”

Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb acknowledged the farmers who voluntarily made these improvements.

“These practices are all voluntary and that is something I think farmers should be recognized for; they don’t have to do them, and they are extra work, but they are willing to do them for the betterment of the soil and our world,” he said.

Learn more at icp.iaswcd.org and isda.in.gov.