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The 2023 algal bloom is expected to have a low severity index of 3, according to the final forecast from the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration. This forecast uses an ensemble of different models, which consider phosphorus loading into Lake Erie during the spring and early summer. 

The mainly dry weather pattern in spring and early summer slowed the flow of water systems within the Western Lake Erie Basin, causing lower amounts of nutrients to be transported from the watershed. This proves that weather and climate have the biggest role in reducing phosphorus load into Lake Erie.

“In past years, heavy rainfall events made it impossible to take measures to keep nutrients in place and hampered spring field work,” said Jordan Hoewischer, director of water quality research with Ohio Farm Bureau. “This spring, too little rain may cause nutrient deficiencies in corn and soybean crops as those nutrients may not have been as readily available to the plant, typically utilized by the crop after a normal rain event. It shows how important the amount of precipitation is for farmers to grow a successful crop and what too little or too much rain, which is beyond the farmer’s control, can mean for the potential of algal blooms.”

With the continued funding of the H2Ohio water quality initiative and the growth of the Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative certification program, both designed to help farmers find more and better nutrient management practices, efforts will continue to advance across Ohio.

NOAA will release the final algal bloom statistics for 2023 in September.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ty Higgins, 614-246-8231 or thiggins@ofbf.org.