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Iowa Learning Farms interview with Iowa Nutrient Research Center Director Matt Helmers is part of ILF's Faces of Conservation series, highlighting key contributors to ILF, offering their perspectives on the history and successes of this innovative conservation outreach program.

As the percentage of rented farmland in Iowa continues to grow, farmers see a steady shift in who is responsible for what happens on the land.

INRC Director Matt Helmers was among the expert panelists discussing water quality and implementation of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy with farmers at the Farm Bureau's annual meeting in Des Moines. Article by Rod Swoboda in Wallace's Farmer, Dec. 13, 2019. 

 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.

The 2020 annual Drainage Research Forum was held December 1, from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (CDT), via Zoom. The event was jointly sponsored by the University of Minnesota, Iowa State University, South Dakota State University and the Iowa Soybean Association and highlights projects supported by the Iowa Nutrient Research Center.