Blog | Illinois Extension

At Illinois Extension, we’re working to improve water quality at home and downstream. Every month, our Watershed Outreach Associates explore stories highlighting agricultural conservation practices, current research projects and results, and from the field farmer interviews. The Nutrient Loss Reduction blog covers conservation practices recommended by the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, timely updates, farm safety, and new decision tools to help farmers and producers reduce the nutrients leaving their field.

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Nutrient Loss Reduction Blog

Uncovering the power of clover cover

April 5, 2024

Interested in diversifying your cover crop mix or exploring the power of clover cover? Episode 61 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction podcast looks into utilizing clover as a cover crop with Adam Dahmer, farmer from Williamson County in southern Illinois, and...

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The NLRS, nitrogen applications, & crop insurance

February 21, 2024

Are you a farmer who's been dealing with the challenges of split-applying nitrogen or considering post-planting applications but worried about the risks? Episode 60 of the Illinois Nutrient Reduction Podcast discusses the Post-Application Coverage...

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When it rains, it pours

February 13, 2024

In the last few years, we have experienced several extreme weather events associated with climate change from droughts to intense rain events and flooding. Episode 59 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast explores the relationship between extreme precipitation events and nutrient loss in...

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Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy 2023 Biennial Report: Part 2

December 27, 2023

The loss of nutrients in Illinois lakes, streams, and rivers harms water quality locally and downstream, eventually leading to the Gulf of Mexico. The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) was established in 2015 and designed to reduce the nutrient loads in Illinois waterways and its...

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Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy 2023 Biennial Report: Part 1

December 20, 2023

In response to the Gulf Hypoxia Task Force and the Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and the University of Illinois collaborated to develop the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) in 2015. This strategy, aimed...

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Leaves along a road covering a storm drain

Fall leaves, clean streams: Leaf management impacts water quality

November 8, 2023

Episode 57 discusses an often-overlooked aspect of maintaining water quality – the impact of fall leaf management. In this episode, Eliana Brown, Water Quality and Stormwater Specialist, and...

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Farmers talking at the University of Illinois Tent at the Farm Progress Show

Cover crop considerations: A farmer's perspective

October 11, 2023

In a recent conversation held at the Farm Progress Show, three farmers spanning the state – Norm Deets, Chad Bell, and...

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How Extension drives student experiences in agriculture

August 18, 2023

The North Central Region Water Network is a 12-state Extension-led collaboration focused on ensuring safe and sufficient water supplies not only in the North Central Region, but beyond. The Watershed Management Research and Outreach Undergraduate...

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Are these tools in your toolbox? Prairie strips

August 7, 2023

Prairie strips are notably not a very well-known conservation practice, despite their many benefits. Prairie strips are a conservation practice that uses strategically placed native prairie planting in...

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Navigating extreme weather impacts on Illinois agriculture

August 3, 2023

As the climate continues to change, we are seeing more frequent, extreme weather events. With these weather events occurring more often, considerations on how those events impact agriculture need to be addressed. Trent Ford, State...

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