There are two schools of thought for addressing Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy (NRS). The first entails a voluntary approach guided by vigorous leadership for financial support and educational outreach while a second approach prefers regulations, fines and lawsuits. Both would need similar dollar investments for on-farm conservation in order to meet NRS goals.

Four years ago a team consisting of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), Iowa State University and several independent appointees chose a strategic plan to address nutrients in surface water. DNR Director, Chuck Gipp, explained that the plan was based on the...