Resources

Help Spread the 4R Plus Message

These downloadable materials can be used to spread the 4R Plus message.

4R Plus Brochure

4R Plus Factsheet

 

Cost Share Options

There are state, federal and other financial assistance programs available for implementing 4R Plus nutrient stewardship, and agronomic and conservation practices, including the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Water Quality Initiative, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program, the Conservation Reserve Program and others.

You can check with your county Soil and Water Conservation District office for information on these and other cost share programs.


Click on the county in the map below for contact information about the county Soil and Water Conservation District staff members and District Commissioners who can provide assistance and details on technical and financial programs.

How Cost Share Works

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a step-by-step guide to the cost share process. Click on the cost share infographic link below. Additional information is available through the Natural Resources Conservation Service Iowa.

 

View Cost Share Infographic


Guide for Navigating Conservation Programs

Drake University Agriculture Law Center professors Neil Hamilton and Matt Russell have created this guide to help Iowa farmers and landowners use public programs to improve water quality and promote soil health on their farmland. It identifies key practices funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD).

 

View Cost Share Guide

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Measuring Soil Health

The Soil Health Institute and Soil Health Partnership have endorsed a number of soil health measurements. Examples of the specific Tier 1 measures include nutrient levels, organic carbon, pH and available water-holding capacity. Testing soil on a regular basis and using these indicators can help you best manage your crop and soil.

For more information on soil health metrics, visit the Soil Health Institute website.

Learn More


Information on the farmer-led Soil Health Partnership and their on-farm trials:

Learn More

4R Nutrient Stewardship

Field Days and Events

The following list is a small sample of events that relate to 4R Plus practices in Iowa. There are many other field days and events that are hosted by a wide variety of organizations.

Additional Resources


Whole Conservation Best Practices Manual