A virtual field day on Thursday, March 26, at 1 p.m. CDT. will provide insights into both the ecological values of nutrient reduction wetlands and whether they might pose unintended risks. The free public event is hosted by Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Iowa Nutrient Research Center. 

The field day will feature a live discussion with Charlie Loewen, assistant professor of ecology, evolution and organismal biology at Iowa State University, and ecology and evolutionary biology graduate research assistants Daniel Edwards, Kaitlyn Sanchez and Grace Jackson.

“Wetlands are very efficient at reducing nutrient loads from agricultural runoff before they reach downstream. However, relatively little is known about the biological co-benefits of restored wetlands in Iowa, including their ability to provide habitat to support local wildlife. It is also important to understand whether they may have any unintended consequences. For example, because wetlands are generally much more efficient at reducing nitrogen than phosphorus, they can alter the ratios of these key nutrients,” notes Loewen. “This is important because different organisms have different nutritional requirements and we may be creating situations where cyanobacteria, some of which can produce harmful toxins, have a competitive advantage over other organisms.”

In this innovative project, funded in part by the INRC, the focus is on how restoring wetlands, which are crucial to reducing nitrogen loads from agricultural fields, impacts the broader food web to maximize additional ecological benefits.

Participants are also encouraged to bring any questions they would like to ask.

Visit the Iowa Learning Farms website to participate in the live virtual field day, "Co-benefits and Possible Unintended Consequences of Restoring Wetlands for Nutrient Reduction," or join from a dial-in phone line (dial 646-876-9923 or 646-931-3860, with meeting ID 914 1198 4892). The field day will be recorded and archived on the ILF Virtual Field Day Archive for future viewing.

Participants may be eligible for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit. Information about how to apply for and receive the CEU will be provided at the end of the event.