Benefits of 4R Plus Soil & Water Conservation Practices
Protecting the Greatest Earth on Earth
Iowa is home to some of the world’s best farmland. Implementing 4R Plus practices will help safeguard and improve the health of Iowa soil and water, which is important to the long-term quality of life for Iowans and sustainability of farming.
Impact on your farm:
➢ Improved soil health for higher yields
➢ Reduced runoff, erosion and compaction
➢ Better water infiltration for the crop during dry periods
➢ Increased soil capacity to store and recycle carbon
➢ Optimized 4R practices to meet crop nutrient needs and reduce losses
Impact near your farm:
Edge-of-field practices like wetlands and saturated buffers:
➢ Trap soil and nutrients
➢ Improve water quality
➢ Enhance wildlife habitat
Impact beyond your farm:
4R Plus practices help retain water, soil and nutrients, resulting in:
➢ Improved water quality downstream
➢ Reduced flooding potential
➢ Decreased sediment and nutrient movement into ground and surface water
The Many Benefits of Cover Crops
Fayette County, Iowa, farmer Tim Recker sees multiple benefits using cover crops. Watch the video to learn about the benefits he sees as well as some tips to get started.