Iowa Learning Farms Virtual Field Days to Focus on Improving Water Quality

AMES, Iowa- Iowa Learning Farmsin partnership with the Iowa Nutrient Research Center and Conservation Learning Groupwill host two upcoming digital subject days centered on enhancing water high quality.

The digital subject day on December 8 will give attention to drainage water recycling, adopted by a digital subject day on December 15 specializing in riparian saturated buffers.

Each occasions start at 1 p.m. CDT. The Dec. 8 occasion will function Matt Helmers, Director of the Iowa Nutrient Analysis Middle and Agricultural Engineering Specialist of Iowa State College Extension and Outreach; Chris Hay, principal investigator of the Iowa Soybean Affiliation; Shane Wulf, senior environmental specialist for the Iowa Division of Agriculture and Land Stewardship; and Mark Schleisman, Calhoun County farmer and landowner.

Drainage water recycling is a drainage administration system designed to seize water throughout moist intervals in order that it may be used later when rising crops change into thirsty. Variations have been round for years, however adoption has remained restricted. Immediately, curiosity is rising because the apply is acknowledged for its potential to enhance water high quality and assist farmers cut back dangers related to climate volatility.

Throughout the two digital subject days, contributors can have the chance to take a more in-depth have a look at the brand new services used to gather subject knowledge on the efficiency of those techniques. These websites are being studied as a part of a analysis venture led by the Iowa Nutrient Analysis Middle and the Iowa Soybean Affiliation analyzing the prices and advantages of recycling drainage water, with funding from the Iowa Division of Agriculture and Land. Stewardship, Iowa Nutrient Analysis Middle and EPA Gulf Division.

“An excessive amount of rain or not sufficient rain are two of the largest issues for Iowa crops most years,” Chris Hay mentioned. “Recycling drainage water might help farmers meet these challenges. Analysis — principally carried out in different states — exhibits it may increase yields by as much as 50% for corn and 30% for soybeans. Our early modeling work right here in Iowa additionally exhibits potential for vital yield features, particularly in dry years, and the system might also profit water high quality and wildlife. However there may be nonetheless a whole lot of work to be carried out to foretell what farmers can anticipate by way of return on funding.

Digital Area Days Entry Directions

Digital Area Day on December 8. Shortly earlier than 1 p.m. on the day of the occasion, click on on this URL, https://iastate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpduihpj8iE9ZHcjpsenc2DWQILG41wg0D, or go to https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/events-1 and click on “Be part of Digital Reside Area Day”.

Or, be part of us from a cellphone line by dialing +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592, Assembly ID 945 3331 7620.

Digital Area Day on December 15. Shortly earlier than 1 p.m. on the day of the occasion, click on on this URL: https://iastate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpduihpj8iE9ZHcjpsenc2DWQILG41wg0D.

Or attain us from a dial-up cellphone line by dialing 1-312-626-6799. Assembly ID: 914 1198 4892.

The 2 subject days might be recorded and archived on the ILF website in order that they are often consulted at any time. Individuals could also be eligible for a Persevering with Schooling Unit permitted by the Licensed Crop Adviser Board of Administrators. Info on tips on how to apply to obtain the CEU (if permitted) might be offered on the finish of the reside subject day.

Shareable picture: Chris Hay, left, and Matt Helmers go to Mark Schleisman’s farm drainage water recycling web site close to Lake Metropolis, Iowa.