AMES, Iowa — The Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinar taking place July 21 at noon will feature Manbir Kaur Rakkar, postdoctoral associate at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. The focus of Rakkar’s research is related to taking an interdisciplinary approach to improving soil health.
In the webinar, “Improving Soil Health with a Novel Perennial Grain Crop,” Rakkar will introduce the audience to Kernza®, a novel perennial grain that is showing potential to improve soil health while still producing a useable grain crop. She will discuss the soil health benefits and agronomic feasibility of using Kernza® during an organic transition period.
“As some current cropping systems continue to affect soil health, it is important to look at alternative methods that may be adopted to reverse ongoing soil and environmental degradation,” said Rakkar. “Kernza is one viable option to mitigate soil health and environmental problems.”
Webinar Access Instructions
To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CDT July 21:
Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172
Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172
Or, join from a dial-in phone line:
Dial: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 364 284 172
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: https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.
A Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) has been applied for, for those who are able to participate in the live webinar. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.
About Iowa Learning Farms:
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, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA Section 319 Grant Program and GROWMARK, Inc.
— Iowa Learning Farms
For more news from Iowa, click here.