Farmers and the Boone River

Using Technology to Benefit Farmers and Rivers

Thanks in part to a Conservancy grant, Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development is creating a computer model of farming and its effects on the Boone River, a biologically important tributary to the Des Moines River. This model is critical to advancing conservation work with area farmers, particularly through the Conservancy’s collaborative efforts with Iowa Soybean Association and Prairie Rivers of Iowa Resource, Conservation and Development Council.

The model being developed also will include an economic analysis. One of the Conservancy’s core beliefs is that economy and ecology can thrive alongside each other. Finding conservation actions that also benefit farmers is central to the Boone River partnership. For example, farmers spend tremendous sums of money adding nutrients to soil, only to see them wash away downstream. Finding new ways to keep nutrients on the land benefits farmers because they don’t need as much, meaning they’re spending less. It also benefits freshwater species because water quality is improved, not only here but downstream to the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico.

The Boone River. © Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Quick Links

Project: The Mississippi River

Science: The Great Rivers Center for Conservation and Learning