Edge-of-field practices play a key part in soil and water conservation and nutrient management to protect and improve water quality. To help farmers choose the best edge-of-field practices for their land, Iowa Learning Farms will host a webinar at noon Oct. 7 about using decision trees.

Edge-of-field practices, such as bioreactors, saturated buffers and wetlands, can effectively address water quality concerns, but it is important to select the right practice for your site and goals.

Chris Hay, senior manager of production systems innovation with the Iowa Soybean Association, will explain the basics of edge-of-field practices and some of the siting considerations. Hay will also discuss decision trees that can help farmers, landowners and conservation professionals select an edge-of-field practice.

Using a decision tree

The decision trees were developed as part of the Whole Farm Conservation Best Practices Manual. The full manual is available from the Iowa State University Extension Store or the Iowa Learning Farms website. “Edge-of-field practices are some of the best-performing water quality practices, but it can be confusing to know what practices will work at a particular site,” Hay says. “These newly developed decision trees can help both farmers and conservation professionals select edge-of-field practices that best match their situation.”

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before 12 noon Oct. 7, go to ISU’s Zoom page and enter meeting ID 364 284 172. Or call 312-626-6799 or 646-876-9923; meeting ID is 364 284 172.

Webinar to be recorded

This webinar will also be recorded to watch at any time. 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 unit (if approved) will be provided at the end of the live webinar.

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