In an effort to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in Iowa’s streams, farmers are being given incentives to try different conservation practices. Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District is the project leader for the West Fork Crooked Creek Water Quality and Soil Health Initiative.

District Conservationist for Washington County, Tony Maxwell, says the goal is to keep nutrients on the field where they serve a purpose. He shares they’re focusing on practices that are most effective at reducing runoff. Specifically cover crops, saturated buffers and bioreactors.

To increase the chances of getting local farmers to try these practices, they’re offering cost sharing. Meetings that included demonstrations were held earlier this spring and more are planned for late summer.