Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Biennial Report
The Directors of the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are announcing the release of Illinois’ third Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) Biennial Report. The Report describes the continued progress being made in Illinois as well as challenges to reduce nutrient losses from multiple sources to improve water quality in Illinois and downstream to reduce the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico.
The 2015 Illinois NLRS established a goal to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in Illinois waterways by 45%, with interim reduction goals of 15% nitrate-nitrogen and 25% total phosphorus by 2025. Implementation of the statewide Strategy is guided by the Illinois EPA, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and University of Illinois Extension with the Policy Working Group and other stakeholder groups and councils. Like other states, Illinois faced unprecedented challenges, including extreme flooding in 2019, followed by the global pandemic in 2020. Despite these events, partner organizations, working both collaboratively and independently, remained committed to the Strategy with the assistance of virtual meetings and continued engagement.
“The report highlights the progress we are making in programs like our cover crop incentive program, Fall Covers for Spring Savings,” said Jerry Costello II, Department of Agriculture Director. “This program is creating awareness and encouraging Illinois’ farmers to look at methods that will reduce nutrient loss.”
Click Here to read more.
The 2015 Illinois NLRS established a goal to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in Illinois waterways by 45%, with interim reduction goals of 15% nitrate-nitrogen and 25% total phosphorus by 2025. Implementation of the statewide Strategy is guided by the Illinois EPA, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and University of Illinois Extension with the Policy Working Group and other stakeholder groups and councils. Like other states, Illinois faced unprecedented challenges, including extreme flooding in 2019, followed by the global pandemic in 2020. Despite these events, partner organizations, working both collaboratively and independently, remained committed to the Strategy with the assistance of virtual meetings and continued engagement.
“The report highlights the progress we are making in programs like our cover crop incentive program, Fall Covers for Spring Savings,” said Jerry Costello II, Department of Agriculture Director. “This program is creating awareness and encouraging Illinois’ farmers to look at methods that will reduce nutrient loss.”
Click Here to read more.