Researchers continue to quantify the water quality and soil health benefits through implementation of cover crops and the two-stage ditch in two Indiana watersheds. Project data are showing that this pairing provides a practical solution to nutrient and sediment loss from farmland while maintaining profitable agriculture production. The team will continue to quantify how this combination can reduce nutrient loss from fields and watersheds in working lands; continue water quality and soil health sampling; parameterize a Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model with real-world data, and estimate benefits and costs of implementation. The team will transition to a business model that seeks private investment in conservation using environmental impact bonds.Key Benefactors: farmers, environmental professionals, agronomists, Extension specialists
The research results will be disseminated through presentations in academic meetings, and publications, as well as regional communication.
The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.