Edge of Field Partnership Showcases Conservation Practices in Illinois
The Edge of Field Partnership is hosting an event on August 13 to showcase edge-of-field conservation practices in Central Illinois. The free event will take place at the Cisco Event Center and feature live demonstrations of conservation drainage practices, presentations from industry experts, and working installations, including bioreactors, a saturated buffer, and an automated drainage water management structure.
The partnership aims to increase the adoption of proven edge-of-field conservation practices while evaluating their effectiveness on working farms. Since its inception, eight woodchip bioreactors have been installed across Illinois as part of a five-year monitoring effort. Data collected from the sites is shared directly with participating farmers and through educational field days attended by farmers, contractors, conservation professionals, government agency staff, and landowners.
This year's event includes participation from Ecosystem Services Exchange and the Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition. Early research suggests that automated drainage water management structures can reduce water and nitrate losses during periods of heavy rainfall while improving soil moisture management and, in some cases, crop yields.