By Andi Anderson
Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, will host a virtual field day on March 26 at 1 p.m. CDT. The free online event will feature a live discussion with Charlie Loewen, assistant professor of ecology at Iowa State University, along with graduate research assistants Daniel Edwards, Kaitlyn Sanchez, and Grace Jackson.
The goal of the virtual field day is to help participants understand both the ecological value of nutrient reduction wetlands and any potential unintended consequences. Loewen explains the importance of wetlands by noting, “Wetlands are very efficient at reducing nutrient loads from agricultural runoff before they reach downstream.
However, relatively little is known about the biological co-benefits of restored wetlands in Iowa, including their ability to provide habitat to support local wildlife.
It is also important to understand whether they may have any unintended consequences. For example, because wetlands are generally much more efficient at reducing nitrogen than phosphorus, they can alter the ratios of these key nutrients.” He adds that this may influence which organisms thrive, saying, “This is important because different organisms have different nutritional requirements and we may be creating situations where cyanobacteria, some of which can produce harmful toxins, have a competitive advantage over other organisms.”
The project, supported in part by the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, focuses on how restored wetlands—which play a major role in reducing nitrogen from farm fields—affect broader food webs and maximize ecological benefits.
Anyone interested in wetlands, water quality, or conservation is welcome to attend. Participants may also ask questions during the live event.
The session can be accessed through the Iowa Learning Farms website by joining the virtual field day titled “Co-benefits and Possible Unintended Consequences of Restoring Wetlands for Nutrient Reduction.” Individuals may also join by dialing 646-876-9923 or 646-931-3860 and entering meeting ID 914 1198 4892. A recording will be available later in the ILF Virtual Field Day Archive.
Participants may qualify for a Certified Crop Adviser continuing education unit. Details for claiming the CEU will be shared at the end of the event.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Iowa, Education, Sustainable Agriculture