Illinois is one of the 12 states in the Mississippi River Basin challenged to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen carried in rivers and to the Gulf of Mexico. The target for 2025 is a 15% reduction in the nitrate load and 25% reduction in the phosphorus load.

Related: Keep nitrogen where it belongs:  A study on cover crops and nitrogen. 

For more on the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy and best management practices, check out the stories below:

5 things you need to know about nutrient loss in Illinois: A quick look at the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.

The rundown on nutrient loss reduction

Manage nutrient loss and increase yield? Yes you can.: The 4R principles help Shipman farmer Tom Connors boost productivity and reduce nutrient loss on his farm.

Embracing the 4Rs: A brief look at the 4R principles: the right source, the right rate, the right time and the right place and how they all work together.

What are you really losing out of your tiles: The Illinois Council on Best Management Practices is offering free and confidential water testing throughout the state. 

PCM program planning in the “Big Easy”: Illinois Corn Growers Association members talk about getting the Precision Conservation Management program off the ground.