When faced with non-point nutrient loss reduction goals, it truly does take a village. Farmer-led watershed groups are critical to drive cover crop adoption in watershed hot spot areas. Through this project, researchers will use historic and current water quality and conservation practice data for the Lake Bloomington and Evergreen Lake watersheds to conduct a “Nutrient Loss Risk Analysis” that pinpoints high and low risk nutrient-loss zones. They will share the high-risk hot spots with farmer-led watershed groups and agencies, as well as deliver educational resources to help area farmers adopt cover crops and other practices to mitigate nutrient loss.

• When evaluating the effectiveness of cover crops on reducing nitrogen levels in watersheds that feed into the Mississippi River, the studies have been conducted using scientifically controlled parameters. These practices are not reflective of all farms within a watershed.
• In addition, when water samples are taken and averaged across a watershed area, they do not reflect the variability and areas of highest risk for nutrient loss through subsurface and surface drainage.
• This project intends to identify high-risk zones to target cover crop education and resources.

• Researchers plan to pinpoint high and low risk nutrient-loss zones within the Lake Bloomington and Evergreen Lake watersheds. For farmers in high-risk hot spots, this knowledge can inform their engagement with farmer-led watershed groups and agencies about best practices for implementing cover crops and other practices to contribute to further nutrient loss reduction. If proven successful, this model could be used in other watersheds around the state in the future.

• Dr. Shalamar Armstrong, Associate Professor, Purdue University
• Michael Ruffatti, Research Technician, Illinois State University
• Dr. Rabin Bhattarai, Associate Professor, UIUC

• McLean

Dr. Shalamar Armstrong
Associate Professor
Purdue University
765-496-0256
sarmstro@purdue.edu