The Iowa Chapter of the Land Improvement Contractors Association will host a field day featuring "edge-of-field practices" at their demonstration farm southeast of Melbourne on September 13. Farmers can see and learn more about the new wetland, saturated buffer and bioreactor practices at the public event.

The field day will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The event is free and includes a complimentary meal.

These kinds of practices are the focus of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy and efforts to further reduce nitrate loss into Iowa streams. Through a natural biological process, microorganisms living in the systems use the incoming nitrate for respiration and reduce the nitrate levels from incoming tile drainage. When combined with in-field practices like cover crops,  no-till and optimized nutrient management, these practices will help reach the strategy's goals.

The field day will include discussion on strategies for scaling up edge-of-field conservation drainage practices and their importance in meeting strategy goals. The program will highlight the different practices demonstrated at the farm. Following a meal sponsored by Iowa Pork Producers Association, the Iowa Corn Growers Association, and the Iowa Ag Clean Water Alliance, attendees will have the opportunity to visit the Iowa Learning Farm's Conservation Station "On The Edge" and tour the various practices installed at the LICA Farm. Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Julie Kenney, LICA leaders and ACWA staff will be among the featured speakers.

The field day will held at the LICA farm located at 1741 290th St, Melbourne. The field day is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to Liz Juchems at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu to reserve your spot.