By John Lawrence
The state of Iowa will celebrate Soil and Water Conservation Week from April 24-May 1, recognizing that the abundance of our agricultural products and quality of life are dependent upon the proper use and management of soil and water resources.
As part of the week’s events, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad will sign a proclamation to celebrate Iowa’s Soil and Water Conservation Week on April 25 at 2 p.m. near Boone. The signing will be held at Iowa State University’s BioCentury Research Farm on the SW corner of Hwy 30 and V Avenue.
The governor and attendees will tour the location’s bioreactor research site while learning about new cover crop research from the Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State University. The Conservation Station from the Iowa Learning Farms will also be present.
“Improving Iowa’s soil and water quality is of paramount importance and we welcome Governor Branstad as he helps raise awareness to the ongoing research and education designed to protect our natural resources,” said John Lawrence, Agriculture and Natural Resources director for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
The Iowa Nutrient Research Center was established in response to legislation passed in 2013. Working in partnership, researchers from the Iowa Board of Regent’s universities pursue science-based approaches to evaluate current and emerging nutrient management practices. The center also provides recommendations on implementing current practices and developing new ones.
ISU Extension and Outreach has also created an online tool called ‘Managing the N Factor’, designed to highlight practices available to improve the quality of water throughout the state. The website walks visitors through facts about nitrates and the use of nitrogen in crop production. It also highlights new research being done by university scientists, discusses nutrient management and provides videos and publications to further inform stakeholders about practices that minimize nitrate loss.
Because land, climate and agricultural enterprises vary from one area of the state to another, ISU research farms located across Iowa provide an opportunity for researchers to find solutions to local problems and to study the impacts of regional differences. More than 130 Iowa State faculty members use the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ farms for teaching, research and extension.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is helping celebrate the week by providing information on issues critical to soil and water health. Research, publications and infographics will be shared on social media to help readers understand the value of bioreactors, saturated buffers and cover crops. Information on nitrogen and its management will also be provided.
Source:iastate.edu