Project Report
Project Lead/Researchers:
Xiaolan Wan, PhD student, Economics
Jacqueline Comito, director, Iowa Learning Farms
Wendong Zhang, assistant professor, Dyson School of Applied Economics and Business at Cornell University,
Widespread adoption of edge-of-field (EOF) practices—such as saturated buffers, bioreactors, and water quality enhancement wetlands—is vital to achieving the goal of 45% nutrient reduction outlined in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. However, few farmers in the state have embraced EOF practices on their land. A research project, Decoding Iowa Farmers’ Understanding of Edge-of-Field Conservation Practices, conducted by Conservation Learning Group, investigated reasons for low participation in EOF practices in Iowa, with support from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Iowa Nutrient Research Center and State Soil and Water Quality Committee, .
Over 1,000 farmers and landowners across five different HUC-8 watersheds in the Des Moines Lobe shared their perceptions and concerns about EOF practices in two rounds of surveys. Main findings from the surveys included:
- Many of the surveyed farmers and landowners indicated unfamiliarity with EOF practices. These gaps highlight the continuing necessity for increased awareness and education to bridge understanding and application of edge-of-field conservation and water quality practices.
- A significant number of farmers expressed uncertainty regarding the environmental benefits of EOF practices.
- Concerns regarding governmental regulations or administrative complexities of implementing EOF practices were prominent—over one-third of farmers are apprehensive about the bureaucratic procedures involved. This suggests a need to streamline processes and provide additional support to encourage broader farmer engagement in conservation programs.
- Preference for educational materials among those surveyed leaned toward graphical fact sheets (i.e., infographics) rather than narrative videos, suggesting that farmers value clear, visual and succinct resources.
- Educational programs or information treatments were found to be most effective with farmers not already enrolled in government conservation programs.
Find the complete report and supporting materials at: https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/edge-of-field