AMES, Iowa — Iowa Learning Farms will host a webinar discussing the economic benefits of nitrogen reductions in Iowa through the exploration of the costs of high nitrates and how meeting the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy goals will be beneficial for all Iowans on Wednesday, July 18 at 12:00 p.m.
Dr. Chuan Tang, postdoctoral research associate with the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, is exploring the costs of high nitrates in Iowa’s drinking water sources including public water supply systems and private wells. The study examines the background of nitrate pollution in drinking water sources, costs of nitrate removal and the current state of knowledge on adverse human health impacts from exposure to high nitrate levels. The study also analyzes the recreational benefits of meeting Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy targets.
“The state of Iowa is currently grappling with designing the best policies to address nitrate pollution in the state. This webinar will discuss an important aspect of this discussion – the benefits of nitrate reductions to all Iowans,” commented Dr. Tang.
The Iowa Learning Farms webinar series takes place on the third Wednesday of the month. To watch, go to https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/ shortly before 12:00 p.m. on July 18 and log in through the “guest” option. The webinar will be recorded and archived on the ILF website for watching at any time at https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.
Dr. Tang is working alongside Dr. Gabriel Lade, Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics and the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) at Iowa State University, Dr. David Kaiser, Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at Iowa State University and the head of CARD’s Resource and Environmental Economics division, and Dr. Catherine Kling, former CARD Director to conduct this study.
Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources (USEPA section 319).
— Iowa Learning Farms
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