A project that assessed the long-term continued success of three different voluntary watershed management approaches is the topic of an Iowa Learning Farms webinar at noon Oct. 14.

This project, funded by the Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State University, looked at differences in structural practice adoption. The study used quantitative analysis of practices in the watershed and qualitative assessment of farmers’ attitudes and behaviors toward water quality, conservation and participation in watershed projects.

To assess the effectiveness of the three different voluntary watershed management approaches, the team evaluated three sets of comparison hydrologic unit code 12 watersheds, three HUC 12 watersheds where different watershed projects have been implemented and three nearby HUC 12 watersheds that have not had recent watershed projects.

Improving water quality

Through mailed surveys and listening sessions, Jamie Benning and Jacqueline Comito, both with the Iowa Learning Farms Conservation Learning Group, listened to farmers and landowners in the three watersheds about their current farming practices.

The webinar will discuss if these watersheds, which were successful in the short term, benefit from a “halo effect” in the long term. Benning and Comito will also discuss recommendations to strengthen and promote water quality improvement efforts in Iowa.

To participate, shortly before noon on Oct. 14, go to iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID 364 284 172. Or call312-626-6799 or 646-876-9923 with meeting ID 364 284 172.

Archived online

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 unit (if approved) will be provided at the end of the live webinar.

Source: ILF, 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.