McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm

Water Quality Evaluation of Integrating Strips of Native Prairie Into Rowcrop Agriculture Fields

Authors: Chris Witte (Iowa State University) , Matthew J. Helmers (Iowa State University) , Lisa A. Schulte-Moore (Iowa State University) , Matthew Z. Liebman (Iowa State University) , Tim Youngquist (Iowa State University)

Abstract

Tallgrass prairie once covered more than 85% of the total land area of the state of Iowa. Currently, less than .01% of that original ground cover remains. The remnant prairies largely exist in small blocks along railroad right-of-ways, cemetery edges, and other marginal locations. Prairie is a diverse ecosystem consisting of grasses, legumes, sedges, and non-legume forbs. In addition to the plant communities, prairie provides habitat for a wide range of native birds, mammals, and beneficial insects. STRIPS (Science-based Trials of Rowcrops Integrated with Prairie Strips) seeks to integrate conservation and rowcrop production and to use science to understand the effects prairie has on the surrounding cropland. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the water quality benefits provided by prairie strips.

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How to Cite: Witte, C. , Helmers, M. J. , Schulte-Moore, L. A. , Liebman, M. Z. & Youngquist, T. (2023) “Water Quality Evaluation of Integrating Strips of Native Prairie Into Rowcrop Agriculture Fields”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports. 2022(4).