The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place Feb. 15 at noon CST will feature Marshall McDaniel, associate professor in soil-plant interactions, Iowa State University. McDaniel leads a research group focused on the “give-and-take” relationship between carbon and nutrients, how the relationship is affected by management and the environment, and seeking to better understand what may enhance soil-plant synergy, soil health and agroecosystem sustainability.

Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program.

In the webinar, “Directly Linking Soil Management and the Eutrophication of Iowa Streams,” McDaniel will draw on research outcomes to highlight the complex interaction of stream morphological characteristics, history of nutrient inputs, and tile water quality to assess stream eutrophication (overabundance of nutrients.)   McDaniel will also share the water collection and analysis process and discuss factors such as historical nutrient conditions and background that can influence the impacts on a given waterway.

“Despite good methods for monitoring nutrient loss through tile drainage water, we are still only beginning to link nutrient levels to specific soil management practices as they relate to the full effects on streams,” said McDaniel. “From our study, there is clear evidence that cover crops are an effective measure for reducing potential eutrophication! We are eager to continue looking at this and other practices that can contribute to healthier waterways and better water quality.”

Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.

Webinar Access Instructions

• To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CST Feb. 15:
• Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172

Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172

• Or, join from a dial-in phone line:

Dial: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923

Meeting ID: 364 284 172

The webinar will also be recorded and archived. All archived webinars are available on the ILF website, so that they can be watched at any time.

ILF has applied for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) for attending this webinar. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.

Upcoming Webinars in the Series:

Up Next: Wednesday, Feb. 22
Quantifying and Managing Residual Soil N after Corn, with Greg LaBarge, professor and field specialist, The Ohio State University

March 1: Justin Glisan, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

March 8: Adam Janke and Kay Stefanik, Iowa State University

March 15: Daniel Kaiser, University of Minnesota