Decoding Iowa Farmers’ Understanding of Edge-of-Field Practices

Edge-of-field (EOF) practices are designed to slow, filter, and process subsurface drainage water from farm fields. Such practices play a vital role in achieving the goal of 45% nutrient reduction outlined in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, and in helping the U.S. agricultural system to attain long-term sustainability. The key practices, such as saturated buffers, bioreactors, and wetlands, can significantly improve water quality, store more carbon in the soil, and enhance wildlife habitat in working landscapes. However, EOF practices have been remarkably underutilized even though they can effectively reduce nutrient delivery. The purpose of this study is to understand how landowners and farmers view EOF practices and the barriers to scaling up these practices to significantly reduce nutrient loss. Using two rounds of survey responses among over 1,000 landowners and farmers residing in five watersheds in Iowa, conducted in summer 2022 and 2023, respectively, this study provides informative updates for EOF practices on current adoption rates and adoption willingness, perceived environmental benefits, and barriers to adoption, and puts forward suggestions on effective education strategies embraced by landowners and farmers. This study will help to scale up adoption and make progress toward Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy goals and help stakeholders attune and refine strategies for outreach and engagement activities promoting EOF practices.