Central Turkey River Nutrient Reduction Demonstration Project
2013-Present
Partners
Winneshiek SWCD
USDA-Natural resources conservation service
Department of Natural Resources
Northeast Iowa Community College
Northeast Iowa dairy and Agriculture Foundation
Farmers Win Cooperative
Turkey River Watershed Management Authority
Winneshiek county conservation
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development
Iowa Soybean Association
US Fish & Wildlife Service
About
original Grant award - $524,751.00
New grant award - $337,274 (2026-2028)
Total project WQI Funding
original - $1,594,682
NEW - $2,213,827
Description
Since 2014, the Winneshiek County Soil and Water Conservation District has been receiving funds to implement conservation practices within the designated Central Turkey River Watershed Project area to reduce the loss of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment from Northeast Iowa fields. These practices align with the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy to improve overall water quality.
Goals
Assist landowners in the targeted Central Turkey River Nutrient Reduction Demonstration Project area to implement effective Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce nutrient delivery to surface water.
Decrease Nitrogen and Phosphorous delivery to the Central Turkey River Nutrient Reduction Demonstration Project area by incorporating practices as specified in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.
Foster a culture of conservation among landowners in the Central Turkey River Nutrient Reduction Demonstration Project area
Objectives
Maintain and continue to build on utilizing cover crops on recurring acres to build soil health while reducing nitrogen and phosphorus loss.
Expand the use of edge-of-field practices in the project area.
Place emphasis on implementing nutrient reduction practices in locations that also provide source water protection for local communities.
Educate watershed producers and the public about the Nutrient Reduction Strategy and suitable practices to reach its goals.
Plan
The project focuses on nutrient reduction in the six targeted Turkey River sub-watersheds: Otter Creek, Bohemian Creek, Burr Oak, Wonder, Rogers, and Brockamp Creek watersheds. Implementing BMPs will aid in reducing pollution while maintaining farming productivity and environmental health. Producers and community members will have the continued opportunity to invest in the lands and waters of the Turkey River basin, ensuring its lasting economic, agricultural, environmental, and recreational wealth.
The project builds upon current conservation practices utilized by producers and encourages the use of innovative technologies and marketing management practices to apply nutrients to crops in a manner that promotes the adoption of the 4 Rs of nutrients: Right Time, Right Source, Right Place and Right Rate. Targeted conservation practices include cover crops, no-till, extended crop rotations, native vegetation establishment, saturated buffers, woodchip bioreactor, multipurpose oxbow restorations, and wetlands.
Conservation Practices
