Farmers can address nutrient pollution in waterways by adopting nutrient management techniques, planting field buffers, supporting healthy soils, and applying conservation practices. State governments can support farms in these efforts by providing funding, technical assistance, and educational information to farmers.
Maryland HB0506 (Enacted 2025): Established the Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming (LEEF) Program to support practices that reduce nutrient pollution in the Chesapeake Bay, as well as practices that support healthy soils.
Illinois SB1701 (Enacted 2023): Created the Illinois Healthy Soils Initiative to improve soil and water quality by supporting practices such as cover-cropping of highly erodible land, precision nitrogen and phosphorus application, and nutrient best management practices.
New York A5386 (Enacted 2021): Established the Soil Health Initiative to encourage agricultural producers to support the healthy cycling of nutrients in fields, including filtering and buffering pollution to reduce nutrient runoff and improve watershed health.
