A Closer Look: Iowa Farmland Ownership and Water Quality
Nearly 75% of Iowa’s landscape is farmland. This rich, fertile soil has helped Iowa become an agricultural leader in corn, soybeans, eggs and pork production. However, soil amendments that boost production and livestock waste contribute to water quality challenges when nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus leave the farmland. Land management and conservation practices utilized by farmers and landowners play a key role in improving water quality by reducing loss of nutrients to waterways.