Agricultural landscapes face increasing pressure to provide the four F’s: food, feed, fiber and fuel, while simultaneously maintaining the ecosystem functions that support life. Done prudently, producing dedicated biomass crops can provide feedstock for bioenergy and bioproducts while also enhancing the natural resource base. 

Tune in to an Iowa Learning Farms webinar at noon Aug. 12 and learn about the new Sustainable Advanced Bioeconomy Research (SABR) farm at Iowa State University.   

Ecosystem service markets promise farmers the opportunity to earn new money, but how do we quantify these services that farmers might sell? Emily Heaton, professor of agronomy at Iowa State University, will explain how greenhouse gas and water changes are being measured at field-scale in perennial and annual crops at the SABR farm. The knowledge gained from this research is used to inform government agency recommendations and private valuation of ecosystem services. 

New profit opportunities

“Iowa is uniquely positioned to make money from providing ecosystem services, and our research is revealing how to grow and measure ecosystem service products,” Heaton says.

Her work investigates land and crop management strategies that return value to people and the land through perennial crops, especially perennial grasses. “There is money to be made from providing ecosystem services, and the research done by ISU at SABR is underpinning Midwest market development,” she adds. 

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon Aug. 12, 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, and enter the meeting ID. The webinar will also on the ILF website at iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars. 

A certified crop adviser 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. 

Source: ILF, which is solely responsible for 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.