Maintaining the Edge: Making Every Pound Count from Bioreactors and Saturated Buffers

The Illinois Conservation On-Farm Network (ICON) convenes agriculture specialists from across Illinois and the broader Midwest region for monthly discussions to explore new research, troubleshoot field conditions, and provide updates on policies and programs related to conservation agriculture. Engaging with presentations by experts, researchers, and industry leaders, our ICON calls provide an opportunity to share knowledge and network with a strong community of conservation ag enthusiasts.

Bioreactors and saturated buffers play an important role in reducing nitrate loss from Illinois farmland, but accurately estimating their benefits and maintaining long-term performance remain ongoing challenges. Join Dr. Chris Hay of Hay Water Solutions as he shares recent research on improving nitrogen reduction estimates and discusses practical considerations for helping these practices continue to deliver water quality benefits over time.