Looking at the benefits of using a combination of best management practices on farms to improve water quality, Iowa Learning Farms will host a webinar at noon June 3. The presentation will discuss the results of a long-term catchment-scale monitoring project in the Black Hawk Lake watershed. 

The project collected flow and water quality data from paired catchments, one of which has a higher level of best management practice (BMP) implementation. Michelle Soupir, associate professor at Iowa State University, will share the results of the project. The catchment with a higher level of erosion control practices and nutrient management plans had lower total phosphorus and total suspended solids loads, but not dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP). 

Setting realistic goals 

“This research is providing information on setting realistic expectations for nutrient reductions from stacked practices at the catchment scale,” says Soupir, whose research program is focused on soil and water quality, nonpoint source pollution control, watershed management, and water quality monitoring. The results of this project show that even in watersheds with high levels of BMP implementation, practices designed to target DRP are needed. 

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before 12 noon on June 3, click on this URL or type this web address into your internet browser:  iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172. Or go to iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172. Another option is to call 312-626-6799 or 646-876-9923. Meeting ID: 364 284 172. 

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) will be provided at the end of the live webinar. The webinar will also be archived at iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars. 

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