What will it take to get more farmers to adopt conservation practices on farmland to improve and protect water quality? You can learn more about the economics behind adopting conservation practices to mitigate water quality concerns during the Iowa Learning Farms webinar at noon Dec. 9.

Wendong Zhang, assistant professor and Extension economist at Iowa State University, will present his analysis of the situation. New survey results show how Iowans value reductions in harmful algal blooms in Iowa waterways. The survey also looked at the economic costs of putting water quality practices in place on the land, and what it will take to induce farmers to adopt the necessary conservation practices.

New approach needed?

Will existing nutrient reduction policies work to reach water quality goals? Drawing on published interdisciplinary data, Zhang will also discuss the challenges of the existing nutrient reduction policy toolbox and possible remedies.  

“Economists could help improve the design and cost-effectiveness of nutrient management policies,” Zhang says. “Grand challenges like reducing Gulf of Mexico hypoxia takes concerted efforts and thinking beyond the existing policy toolbox.”

Zhang’s research seeks to better understand the drivers of conservation practice adoption, as well as the economic benefits and costs of various nutrient reduction policies. During the webinar, he will share lessons learned from his research experience on the economics of phosphorus reduction in the Lake Erie watershed and nitrogen reduction in the Mississippi River watershed.

Webinar access instructions 

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before 12 p.m. Dec. 9, go to iastate.zoom.us/join and enter with the meeting ID 364 284 172. Or call 312-626-6799 or 646-876-9923 and enter the meeting ID 364 284 172.  

The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website, so that it can be watched at any time. Archived webinars are available at iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.

A certified crop adviser board-approved continuing education unit has been applied for, for those who are able to participate in the live webinar. Information about how to apply to receive the credit (if approved) is provided at the end of the live webinar. 

Source: ISU, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.