Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Impacts of Wetland Restoration and Drainage Improvements

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Ames, Iowa – The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place May 11 at noon CDT will feature William Crumpton, university professor at Iowa State University. Dr. Crumpton’s research focuses on wetland processes and functions, including the dynamics of energy flow and nutrient transformation in wetlands, the fate and effects of agricultural contaminants in wetlands, and the role of restored and constructed wetlands in watershed hydrology, greenhouse gas emissions and water quality.

Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program.

In the webinar, “Integrating Drainage Improvements and Wetland Restoration in Iowa: Environmental Impacts of Improved Drainage and Targeted Wetland Restoration,” Crumpton will discuss results of a multi-year study examining the effects of improved drainage on nutrient export from agricultural catchments and the effectiveness of wetlands in reducing downstream nutrient loads from these systems. He will also discuss the opportunities for integrating targeted wetland restorations within existing and future agricultural drainage systems with an eye toward reducing or mitigating the export of nitrogen and phosphorus to waterways.

“Agricultural drainage systems are the primary pathway by which nonpoint source nitrogen and phosphorous loads are delivered to Iowa surface waters, and targeted wetland restoration is one of the most promising strategies to intercept and reduce these nutrient loads,” said Crumpton. “As agricultural drainage systems are replaced and upgraded, it is critical that we understand the impacts of drainage modifications on nutrient export and the potential for mitigating those impacts using wetlands and other edge of field practices.”

Participants in Iowa Learning Farms Conservation Webinars are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.

Webinar Access Instructions

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CDT May 11:
Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172
Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172

Or, join from a dial-in phone line:
Dial: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 364 284 172

The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website, so that it can be watched at any time. Archived webinars are available at: https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.

A Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) has been applied for. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.

Upcoming Webinars in the Series:

5/18: Emily Zimmerman, Iowa State University
5/25: Santanu Bakshi and Chumki Banik, Iowa State University
6/1: Lindsey Hartfiel, Iowa State University
6/8: Peter Kyveryga, Iowa State University

For more information, please contact: Liz Ripley 515.294.5429