By Andi Anderson
A recent Iowa State University study reveals that adoption of conservation practices such as cover crops and no till is more fluid than previously thought, with significant numbers of participants abandoning the practices over time.
Published in the journal Society & Natural Resources, the research tracked self-reported conservation activity between 2015 and 2019 across six major Iowa watersheds.
The study shows that adoption is not a single decision but an ongoing process. “This study shows that adoption is not a one-time decision—it’s a dynamic process influenced by a range of factors,” said co-author Suraj Upadhaya, former ISU research scientist and current assistant professor of sustainable systems at Kentucky State University.
“To meet Iowa’s sustainability goals, we need to understand the degree to which farmers are disadopting conservation practices and figure out how to help them maintain the practices over time.”
Survey results revealed that nearly 20% of cover crop users discontinued after one year, while about 13% of no till adopters stopped within the same period. Over the entire study, cover crops gained only a 1.9% net adoption rate and no till just 1.0%.
Lead researcher J. Arbuckle explained, “We used a three-tiered measure of adoption: non-adoption, openness to adoption and adoption. We then tracked these adoption status categories from one year to the next. This nuanced approach allowed closer examination of practice use over time, revealing a striking flux in conservation behavior.”
Watershed differences were also noted. The Missouri-Nishnabotna watershed, which includes Iowa’s Loess Hills, showed the strongest movement toward conservation and the least shift away from no till practices.
The findings raise concerns for the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, which aims to cut nitrogen and phosphorus runoff by 45%. Current conservation programs often provide only short-term cost share incentives and technical assistance. Researchers recommend longer-term financial incentives, ongoing engagement, and outreach tailored to regional needs.
“We think that providing ongoing engagement and support to adopters beyond the initial one to three years typical of conservation programs would be impactful,” said co-author Chris Morris. Follow-up research will further examine why practices are abandoned and how to strengthen persistence in the future.
Photo Credit:iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Crops