The Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinar taking place November 1 at noon will feature Jessica Nelson, graduate research assistant, Iowa State University. A member of the Science-based Trials of Rowcrops Integrated with Prairie Strips (STRIPS) team since 2019, Nelson’s research and studies are focused on sustainable agriculture and studying bioeconomic valuation of cropping systems and environmental outcomes from various management practices.

In the webinar, “Movement of Soil in Corn and Soybean Fields Managed with Prairie Strips,” Nelson will discuss outcomes of research utilizing mesh soil pads deployed in paired comparison fields to monitor the movement of soil within fields and flumes and assess edge-of-field sediment transport. She will discuss the pairing of study sites with prairie strips and those without prairie strips. Nelson will also share data and results including mass movement per day and total suspended sediment (TSS) load per rain event.

“Better management of soil loss within the Midwestern agroecological systems is crucial to sustaining strong row crop performance,” said Nelson. “Implementing diverse best management practices such as prairie strips or increasing groundcover year-round offer opportunities to slow losses and improve soil health. I am hopeful that participants in this session will be able to better imagine the possibilities that can help halt the decline of our ecosystems.”

Shortly before noon CDT, click the link below or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172