Trending
AMES -- The Iowa State University Northern Research and Demonstration Farm, the Boone River Watershed Management Authority and conservation partners will host an edge-of-field conservation practices and cover crop tour from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the research farm, 310 S. Main St., Kanawha.
The field day will begin with registration and refreshments at 8:30 a.m., followed by introductory comments and a brief farm update at 9 a.m. At 9:30 a.m., attendees will carpool to four edge-of-field conservation practice sites located within 12 miles of the farm: a Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program wetland, a bioreactor, a saturated buffer and a restored oxbow. Participants can also view cover crops at the research farm.
After the tour, participants will return to the farm for a complimentary lunch and a presentation by featured speaker Matt Helmers, professor and director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State. His talk, "Why we have a nitrate problem in our water and the need for edge-of-field practices," will be followed by additional information and resources for getting started with conservation practices.
"Whether you are a farmer, landowner or conservation-minded community member, this tour provides valuable opportunities to see practical, proven conservation practices that safeguard Iowa's streams and soil health," said Angie Rieck-Hinz, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach.
The tour is offered at no cost and open to everyone. Participants must register online by Oct. 30 to help organizers plan for lunch and materials.
For more information, contact Rieck-Hinz at 515-231-2830 or amrieck@iastate.edu, or Gentry Sorenson at 641-430-6715 or gentrys@iastate.edu.