Over the past couple of weeks, I have had the opportunity to attend two events that have left a distinct impression—what really struck me is the creativity and passion for conservation and sustaining rural communities.
-- Matt Helmers, Conservation Learning Group blog post, March 12, 2020.
The INRC Spring Seminar Series, "Water Research Past, Present and Future" will not take place as scheduled in March and April, due to campus efforts to reduce the potential for COVID-19 exposure. INRC plans to reschedule the presentations when conditions allow (details to be announced later).
AMES, Iowa – The Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State University seeks new proposals for research that can help landowners, farmers, agribusiness and others improve water quality by reducing nitrate and phosphorus in the state’s waterways.
“Farmers and landowners are important partners who help make it possible to test research in different farming and geographic situations,” said Matt Helmers, director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State University. “Rob Stout and Eric Hoien are two excellent examples of cooperators whose support has benefited INRC-related water quality research."
The 2018-2019 Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS) annual report was released today by Iowa State University, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The findings reveal increased farmer, landowner and community engagement, use of conservation practices and funding invested in soil health and water quality projects.
The Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State University announces funding for 11 new water quality and nutrient management projects for 2020-2021.
“This round of projects represents over $1.3 million for water quality research,” said Matt Helmers, Iowa Nutrient Research Center director and professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering at Iowa State. “We are pleased that the projects reflect a number of the research priorities developed last year with a broad range of stakeholders, including farmers. These include supporting research on new nutrient-reduction technologies or cropping systems, developing better understanding of in-stream processes and examining potential unintended consequences of conservation practices.”
There is a risk of elevated fall soil nitrate levels due to dry conditions this growing season. Dry conditions affect soil N cycling in several ways, resulting in excess residual nitrate in the soil profile after fall harvest and the potential for substantial N leaching with late fall or spring precipitation. An article, "Water Quality Impacts of Cover Crop Following a Drought" shares relevant data from research at two sites, with recommendations for how to minimize the risk of nitrate-N loss when rainfall occurs. Co-authors: Matt Helmers, INRC Director; Brian Dougherty, ISU Agricultural Engineer; Emily Waring, graduate student, agricultural and biosystems engineering. Published by Iowa Extension and Outreach - Integrated Crop Management.
A collaborative partnership between researchers with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Iowa State University has produced a string of notable water quality studies that have influenced conservation research and practice nationwide.
Partners of Scott County Watersheds presented an online Conservation Grant Programs webinar, Nov.
