Field Notes
Illinois Conservation On Farm-Network: Integrating Trees, Crops, and Nutrient Loss Strategies
On September 10th, our new and improved Illinois Conservation On-Farm Network (ICON) hosted MJ Oviatt and Kaitie Adams from the Savanna Institute. Oviatt is the organization’s Illinois Forestry Educator and Adams is the Demonstration Farms Director. The pair joined us to discuss the opportunities and benefits associated with incorporating agroforestry concepts and practices on traditional agricultural landscapes. Agroforestry can be...
Cultivating Connections: Ag Professionals Come Together for Networking and Reflections on 10-Years of NLRS
Written by: Lisa Martin and Rachel Lechuga Very hot weather on Ag Day at the Illinois State Fair did not deter a dedicated group of conservationists from enjoying the opportunity to reflect on their hard work over the years in the conservation agriculture space. Attendees networked over a delicious meal, participated in fun trivia and face painting, and shared their...
Reducing Nitrate Loading Without Sacrificing Crop Yields
Soil nitrogen, in the form of nitrate, is highly soluble and held weakly to soil which can be a cause of concern for water quality when rain or irrigation moves nitrate below the root zone into tile lines or groundwater. Largely from fall applied nitrogen, asynchronous availability of plant N and uptake of N can result in high tile nitrate...
How Ag Advisors Guide Conservation on the Ground: Recap from ICCON’s Advisor Panel
Advisors play a pivotal role in helping farmers adopt in-field conservation practices. On July 9, ICCON explored the question, “what makes an advisor truly effective?” The panel discussion brought together three seasoned professionals to share their strategies and experiences. Meet the Panelists Aidan Walton – Conservation Specialist, Precision Conservation Management (PCM) Aidan works with farmers across seven counties in north-central...