AMES, Iowa — The Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinar taking place August 11 at noon will feature Kelly Nelson, professor, Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri Greenley Research Center. Nelson conducts applied research in crop production and drainage water management systems.
In the webinar, “Subirrigation of Crops Using Drainage Water Recycling,” Nelson will discuss subirrigation, the practice of applying water back to fields through subsurface (tile) drains, and the synthesis of subirrigation research in the Midwestern U.S. The session will include an overview of drainage water recycling practices which capture and store agricultural surface and subsurface drainage water for reuse as supplemental irrigation. He will also highlight the need for site-specific analysis of topography and soils in selecting appropriate areas for this practice.
“Drainage water recycling through subirrigation helps to raise and manage the soil water table within crop rooting zones adding resilience and increasing yield stability,” said Nelson. “Research has shown that drainage water recycling using subirrigation reduced yield variability some 28% compared to free drainage. In addition, the storage and reuse of agricultural runoff can help mitigate nutrient loss downstream.”
Participants in Iowa Learning Farms Conservation Webinars are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
Webinar Access Instructions
To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CDT August 11:
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. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. 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
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