IFCA continues to represent the interests of our members as the State develops a Nutrient Reduction Strategy for submittal to USEPA.  Illinois agriculture will be accountable to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus to improve water quality for state waters, as well as waters that leave the state.  The strategy document will list a myriad of agricultural practices that may reduce nutrient losses, such as cover crops on a majority of tile drained acres, moving fall nitrogen applications to spring, utilizing bioreactors at the end of field tile lines and creating wetlands. 

 

This is where the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council (NREC) is of paramount importance.  NREC is funding substantial research in 2014 to determine what nitrogen management pratices can reduce nitrate levels in field tiles.  This includes the utilization of split nitrogen (fall and spring), stabilizers, and determining the optimum nitrogen rate for a farmer's field.  This research will take place at several farm sites, to quantify the amount that we can reduce nutrient losses to the environment utilizing a systems approach that makes practical sense and provides economic returns in the form of increased yields.  Only peer reviewed, published nutrient research can be incorporated into the Illinois Nutrient Reduction Strategy.  NREC is the foundation of these research efforts and the reason that we have the 75 per ton assessment.  With NREC, we have once again made nutrient research a priority in Illinois for today and for our future--a future that we envision will continue to offer a myriad of nutrient options for retailers and farmers without burdensome regulations.  For more on 2014 NREC funded projects, go to www.illinoisnrec.org.