Addressing Non-Point Source Nutrient Losses

 

Diffuse phosphorus and nitrogen losses from agricultural landscapes remain a leading contributor to water quality impairments in the Great Lakes. These losses are driven by complex interactions among soils, hydrology, nutrient management, and land use—often requiring tools that function across entire systems rather than single practices.

GLBI focuses on source control strategies that reduce nutrient transport pathways while maintaining agricultural productivity.

 

GLBI’s Role in the Conservation Landscape

 

GLBI is not a regulatory body and does not replace existing programs. Instead, we operate at the implementation and learning level, helping evaluate and demonstrate soil-based interventions that can inform and strengthen public conservation investments.

Our work emphasizes:

     •      Voluntary producer participation

     •      Field-scale implementation under real operating conditions

     •      Measurement of nutrient retention and transport pathways

     •      Transferability across operations and watersheds

 

Alignment with USDA & NRCS Frameworks

 

GLBI’s activities align with USDA and NRCS priorities related to:

     •      Soil health principles

     •      Nutrient management (e.g., 590)

     •      Conservation planning and adaptive management

     •      Working lands conservation programs

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           Biochar is evaluated as a potential soil health and nutrient management tool that may complement existing NRCS practices when               appropriate. GLBI supports data collection and demonstrations that can help inform future guidance, technical notes, or program                 refinements.

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Alignment with EPA & GLRI Objectives

GLBI’s watershed-based approach supports EPA and GLRI goals by:

     •      Targeting priority Great Lakes watersheds

     •      Focusing on upstream nutrient reductions with downstream water quality benefits

     •     Supporting scalable, non-point source solutions

     •     Providing applied insights that complement monitoring and modeling efforts

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           Our work contributes to understanding how soil-based interventions can support nutrient reduction targets without creating                           additional regulatory burden.

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Data, Evaluation & Knowledge Sharing

 

GLBI prioritizes responsible data use and collaboration with public partners:

     •      Data are aggregated and anonymized where appropriate

     •      Farm-specific information is protected

     •      Findings are shared to support program learning, not enforcement

     •      Results are intended to inform practice effectiveness and scalability

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Opportunities for Agency Collaboration

 

GLBI welcomes engagement with agency partners interested in:

     •      Field-scale pilot and demonstration projects

     •      Program-aligned research and evaluation

     •      Technical collaboration and information exchange

     •      Stakeholder engagement and outreach support

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            We aim to function as a bridge between producers and public programs, helping translate conservation objectives into workable,                  on-farm solutions.

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Transparency & Accountability

 

     •      GLBI is a 501(c)(3) pending nonprofit organization

     •      Participation is voluntary and non-regulatory

     •      Projects are designed to complement—not duplicate—existing programs

     •      Emphasis is placed on measurable, real-world outcomes

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Connect with GLBI

 

We welcome conversations with agency staff and public partners interested in collaborative, soil-based approaches to reducing nutrient pollution in the Great Lakes region.

[Contact Us] to explore alignment and partnership opportunities.