Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association
Supply · Service · Stewardship

Prediction on Lake Erie Algae Bloom

Experts are predicting another large algae bloom in Lake Erie in the coming weeks.  The International Plant Nutrition Institute has prepared a bulletin on phosphorus management efforts underway in this watershed, including results of soil sampling and crop uptake.  To see the bulletin and learn more about P management efforts in this critical watershed click here.  
 
Closer to home, where nitrates are the predominant concern in Illinois, the water supply lakes of Decatur, Springfield, Bloomington/Evergreen and Vermilion have all been below 10 ppm nitrate for some time.  They all experienced some levels of concern in late May and early June, but the timeframe of high N levels did not last long.  In Lake Vermilion, N levels that have been very high in the past three years are below those levels this year.  IFCA stays in close contact with these lakes, and we want you to know that the folks who manage these water bodies are most appreciative of your efforts on nitrogen management.  Keep up the good work:  people notice your efforts on the 4Rs!