Cost-share
H2Ohio Agriculture Incentive Program
Ohio Department of Agriculture
What you can get
2026 nutrient management payments of $10/acre for a composite Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan or $15/acre using grid/zone variable-rate technology, plus per-acre incentives for overwintering cover and other BMPs • ODA and local SWCDs implement H2Ohio practices on more than 2.2 million acres of Ohio farmland.
- Readiness
- Local office first
- Who can apply
- producer, crop producers in eligible counties (Western Lake Erie Basin focus, expanding statewide) with current soil tests and an approved nutrient management plan
- Coverage
- OH
- Deadline & timing
- Enrollment and re-enrollment are open to producers in 10 Western Lake Erie Basin counties (Crawford, Erie, Huron, Marion, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Shelby, Wyandot) and, for crop years 2026–2027, 14 northwest Ohio counties (Allen, Auglaize, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Lucas, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, Williams, Wood). A current soil test and approved Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan are required. Signups run through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
nutrient managementwater qualitycover crop
Last verified Aug 18, 2026. Always confirm current terms and deadlines on the official site before applying.
Plan your next step
Run a quick soil assessment or ask an agronomist how this program fits your fields.