Des Moines-The state’s new watershed quality planning task force didn’t pay much attention to fertilizer in its waterway cleanup plan, which involves making a detailed assessment of the needs and creating a state water resources council, according to agriculture interests. “They didn’t focus that much on fertilizer,” reported Rick Robinson, Iowa Farm Bureau environmental policy adviser. “It didn’t turn out to be an anti-fertilizer thing, which I consider as positive.” The task force delivered its recommendations to the legislature six months early so lawmakers can focus on the $13.5 million the task force says is needed to establish the council and prioritize the watershed projects. One of the reasons agriculture didn’t get major mention could have been a new study by Iowa State University researchers showing that Iowa farmers already have made good progress cleaning up the state’s 13 watersheds. ISU’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development reported that $435 million was spent on conservation practices, reducing total nitrogen by up to 38 percent, nitrates by up to 28 percent, and phosphorus by up to 58 percent. The study, “Conservation Practices in Iowa: Historical Investments, Water Quality and Gaps,” was conducted with funding by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Soybean Assn., and Iowa Corn Growers Assn. It examined the effectiveness of conservation practices, including terraces and grassy waterways, contour, and no-till farming. Robinson explained, “The Iowa Farm Bureau wanted documentation on the water quality effects of farmers’ conservation efforts. We also wanted to know the cost of reaching the EPA’s ‘aquatic life’ targets. We found out that farmers are making a difference in improving Iowa’s water. It also showed achieving the EPA’s aquatic life standards is unattainable with current practices at current funding levels.”
Transparency Across the Fertilizer Value-Chain