*Note this Seminar will be held on Tuesday, December 8th

Title: The Nonpoint Source Challenge: Obstacles and Opportunities for Meeting Nutrient Reduction Goals in Diverse Agricultural Watersheds

Presenter: Dr. Zachary Easton, H.E. and Elizabeth Alphin Professor and Extension Specialist, Dept. Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, United States

Presentation Topic: Reducing nonpoint source nutrient pollution from agricultural landscapes remains one of the most difficult challenges in water resource management. This presentation examines why water quality improvements often lag behind conservation investments and explores the scientific, economic, and policy factors that influence watershed response. The talk will discuss emerging strategies for improving nutrient reduction efforts, including targeted conservation, adaptive management, performance-based incentives, and new approaches to measuring environmental outcomes. Lessons are applicable to nutrient management and watershed restoration efforts across a wide range of ecosystems and agricultural regions.

Speaker Biography: Dr. Zachary Easton is the H.E. and Elizabeth Alphin Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech. His research focuses on agricultural water quality, watershed hydrology, environmental modeling, and sustainable agricultural systems. He leads interdisciplinary efforts to develop science-based solutions for nutrient management and water resource protection, with particular emphasis on the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Dr. Easton has published extensively and serves in national scientific and policy leadership roles related to water quality and agricultural conservation.

Download a flyer for the Fall 2026 seminar series.

This will be a hybrid seminar with an in-person option in Room 1306 Elings Hall, Iowa State University.  The INRC seminars are free and open to the public. For questions, contact malcolmr@iastate.edu.