Conservation Systems Role in Sustaining Productivity and Soil Quality
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The Iowa State University Integrated Crop Management Conference is Iowa's premier crop production education event. No other program in Iowa brings together the diverse range of topics, slate of expert presenters and results of the latest University research.
The ICM Conference offers workshops focusing on the latest in crop production technology. Experts from Iowa and surrounding states will provide research updates and results in soil fertility, soil and water management, crop production and pest management.
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Abstract
Conventional tillage can lead to significant increases in soil erosion and deterioration of soil structure, by increasing surface runoff. It is well documented that conservation systems can reduce surface runoff significantly due to crop residue cover and improved soil structure, soil water infiltration, and soil carbon content. The link between conservation systems and soil sustainability and productivity is well documented. The most demonstrated problem associated with the lack of conservation systems in Iowa and elsewhere is the reduction in water quality due to sediment and chemical transport to lakes and streams. The 2004 proposed 303(d) list includes approximately, 211 impaired water bodies in Iowa. Sediment loading constitutes a significant source of water impairments for lakes, rivers, and streams throughout Iowa. However, sediment is not the only non-point source pollutant causing waterbody impairments. In addition to sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus loading are significant contaminants of surface water. Water body impairments due to sediment and nutrient loading can be minimized by shifting to conservation systems.