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Iowa farmers tighten belts, but not on conservation

buffer strip-Even though Iowa farmers are tightening their belts in other areas, they continue to make investments in conservation to improve environmental performance.

That’s one of the findings of a recent survey sponsored by Agri-Pulse and the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA). It shows, for example, that 43 percent of poll participants have installed edge of field buffers to reduce soil and nutrient runoff. And just over 52 percent are now using split application of fertilizer to deliver nutrients when they can be best utilized by crops.

ISA spokesman Aaron Putze says the survey shows that increased productivity and profitability can go hand-in-hand with investment in conservation practices.

“Even though the vast majority of them expect that their farm income is going to be lower this year than it was in 2014, they’re also looking to invest more in the coming year in practices that improve soil and water quality,” Putze says.

Thirty-nine percent of those surveyed said they have changed from fall to spring application of nutrients. Thirty-seven percent have reduced the overall amount of nutrients applied and 35 percent have switched to no-till planting.

AUDIO: Aaron Putze

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