Dead Zone Cause and Cure: Craig Cox Remarks to Nutrient Task Force

The upcoming Keeney lecture on November 12th has me thinking again about Iowa water quality, particularly with what we send into the Mississippi River and down to our aquatic 'farmer' friends in the Gulf of Mexico. Posted November 4.

More questions about how Nitrogen interacts with soil...

Two references discussing nitrogen and soil interactions leave me wondering how synthetic nitrogen can feed, fuel and clothe the world if it doesn't enhance the living soil? The soil biotic community is a sophisticated resource, and likely not a one-stop shop. Read about it in this article, and this professional paper. Posted October 8

Can Charcoal Really Stop Global Warming?

There is a lot of talk about saving the world with biochar.  I'm guessing there are no free lunches on our way to the pyrolysis plant. Click on the photo to be taken to an article in the Ecologist. Also see, "Bio-energy in the Black." Posted July 23.

Ecological Economics, Gund Institute

I hear that we lack the appropriate economic incentives to encourage and/or reward folks for "right" environmental behaviors, mostly because we 'can't afford it.' How can we change that? New thinking, check out these neat ecological economics clips by clicking the image. Posted July 6.

Farmable Wetlands Program

Additional Wetlands funding is available through the 'Farmable Wetlands Program.' New to me- but Iowa still has 25,000 acres we put into this 90% cost share program. Check it out! For more information, view this PDF. Posted June 25.

Prosperity without growth?

From the Sustainable Development Commission..."Prosperity is about things going well for us-- in accordance with (pro- in Latin) our hopes and expectations (speres). Wanting things to go well is a common human concern. It's understood that this sense of things going well includes some notion of Continuity. Posted June 3.

"Conservation Buffers Design Guidelines for Buffers, Corridors, and Greenways."

Really NICE, the hardcopy has a sturdy ring binder and it's easy to flip through. I just shared the buffer chapter with a land owner - farm rental Loess hills - feedback was positive.  Click on the image, where you can download it for free or purchase a hard copy. Posted May 23.