Central Turkey River Nutrient Reduction Demonstration Project
2013-Present
Partners
Winneshiek SWCD
USDA-Natural resources conservation service
Department of Natural Resources
Northeast Iowa Community College
Northeast Iowa dairy and Agriculture Foundation
Farmers Win Cooperative
Turkey River Watershed Management Authority
Winneshiek county conservation
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
About
Current Grant award
$524,751.00
Total project WQI Funding
$1,594,682
Description
Since 2014, the Winneshiek County Soil and Water Conservation District has been receiving funds to implement conservation practices along the Turkey River to reduce the loss of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment from Northeast Iowa fields. These practices align with the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy to improve overall water quality. As a whole watershed, we have made huge improvements over the last six years. This includes a reduction of more than 5,072 tons of sediment; 29,656 pounds of nitrogen; and 6,589 pounds of phosphorus from entering our streams.
Because of this success, the watershed is now expanding North to include two additional sub-watershed; Otter and Bohemian Creek, to the original four; Burr Oak, Wonder, Rogers, and Brockamp Creek Watersheds. Producers and community members will have the continued opportunity to invest in the lands and waters of the Turkey River basin, ensuring its lasting economic, agricultural, environmental, and recreational wealth.
Goals
Assist landowners in the targeted Central Turkey River Nutrient Reduction Demonstration Project area to implement effective Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce nutrient delivery to the river
Decrease Nitrogen and Phosphorous delivery to the Central Turkey River Nutrient Reduction Demonstration Project area by incorporating practices as specified in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy
Foster a culture of conservation among landowners in the Central Turkey River Nutrient Reduction Demonstration Project area
Plan
This project focuses on the nutrient enrichment of the four targeted watersheds. The project will address the downstream nutrient loading by identifying and reducing sources of nutrient delivery within the watersheds. Implementing BMPs will aid in reducing pollution yet maintaining farming productivity and environmental health. Water sampling has revealed diminished water quality due to agricultural run-off, animal waste and nutrient-leaching sources within these watersheds.
This project will build upon current stewardship practices utilized by producers and encourage use of innovative technologies and marketing management practices to apply nutrients to crops in a manner that promotes the adoption of the 4 R’s of nutrients: Right Time, Right Source, Right Place and Right Rate. We will also partner with local agronomists to educate and promote the benefits of nutrient management to producers. These stewardship land treatments along with our featured practices on the reverse portion of this sheet, highlight the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy’s goals of improved water quality for Iowans.
Conservation Practices
