Ohio State suggests ways to reduce harmful algae blooms

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Ohio State University researchers have released several suggestions to reduce toxic algae blooms.

The researchers have been testing different strategies to reduce phosphorus discharge, which feeds toxic algae, The Columbus Dispatch reported.

The project results announced last week follow an agreement this year between the U.S. and Canada to cut phosphorus discharge into Lake Erie by 40 percent.

The Ohio State project found that farmers should apply fertilizer below the soil surface and plant cover crops and buffer strips.

Cover crops prevent rain from washing fertilizer into lakes. They’re grown in fields that would otherwise go unplanted.