AG CONSERVATION Practices

Rural or ag conservation covers a wide range of practices, including those within crop fields and edges of fields, in pastures, on land taken out of production, along streams, creeks and other waterways, and other areas. Many conservation practices implemented in rural and agricultural areas are designed to improve and protect water quality by reducing erosion and removing nutrients such as Nitrogen and Phosphorus.

The science assessment done in conjunction with development of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (NRS) identified effective nutrient reduction practices in three categories, including: edge-of-field/erosion control; nutrient management - nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P); and in field/land use. The science assessment also identified benefits and limitations, and developed estimated costs for practice adoption.

The list of nutrient reduction practices could be very long when considering variations and combinations of practices. The practices listed here are based on research and are those that have the greatest potential to make a significant impact on reducing the loss of nitrogen (nitrates) and phosphorus (phosphates) into the water supply. These practices are applicable to large portions of Iowa.

Some practices listed below impact only nitrogen or phosphorus, while some impact both. This is indicated by the inclusion of N or P in the practice titles.