Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy

The role of the soil microbiome in reducing nutrient loss In episode 81 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, Dr.

Healthy soils matter. Practices that reduce nutrient loss can also help limit dust storms. See what Illinois farmers need to know.

With dust storms and advisories popping up across the Midwest, it is important to stay aware, have a travel plan, and be informed on the increased, often-hazardous events.

A combined specialty team of Extension experts dug deeper into Illinois dust storms. By breaking down the various factors at play and examining areas, weather, and farming practices, they hope the information will raise awareness and help farmers adapt to changing conditions.

🔗 Download Extreme Weather: What Illinois Farmers Need to Know, Dust Storms at https://go.illinois.edu/DustStorms

🔗 Dig Deeper: Dust storms in Illinois: Examining roles of weather and farming practices at https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/dust-storms-illinois-examining-roles-weather-and-farming-practices

Stormwater impacts our neighborhoods, waterways, and water quality — and managing it well takes collaboration. 💧

Join the conversation during , happening May 3–9, 2026. Hosted by Current, this weeklong series features tours, panels, workshops, and community events focused on water stewardship, innovation, resilience, and education.

From green infrastructure and water quality to emerging challenges like climate resilience and growing water demand, Chicago Water Week highlights the importance of protecting and investing in our shared water resources.

Explore the events and learn more:

Chicago Water Week Join us May 3-9, 2026 for a variety of water-focused events hosted by Current and our partners to celebrate all things water.

Dust storms, starter fertilizer, and conservation tillage In episode 80 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, University of Illinois Assistant Professor and Extension agronomist Giovani Preza Fontes shares results

Real farmers. Real experiences. Real talk about cover crops.
Watch Cover Crop Conversations: Farmer‑to‑Farmer Insights Across Illinois – Part 2 to hear how Illinois farmers are using cover crops to improve soil health, manage nutrients, and protect profitability across different soils and climates. Learn from peers who’ve tried it, adjusted, and stuck with it.
https://extension.illinois.edu/videos/cover-crop-conversations-farmer-farmer-insights-across-illinois-part-2

Looking to expand Green Stormwater Infrastructure in your community? This new guide from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago highlights strategies that help reduce runoff and support healthier waterways.

📰 New MWRD resource guide empowers communities to adopt green infrastructure practices

The MWRD’s “Green Infrastructure Community Guide: Stormwater Strategies for Resilient Neighborhoods” is now available at mwrd.org. The Guide equips municipal leaders, planners, public works directors, engineers, staff and other decision makers with valuable information, resources and guidance for incorporating green infrastructure into their communities to better manage stormwater. For more information, visit mwrd.org/stormwater/green-infrastructure.

Learn more at MWRD.org/News: https://mwrd.org/news/new-mwrd-resource-guide-empowers-communities-adopt-green-infrastructure-practices

Illinois agricultural experts weigh in on how the Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator identifies the profitable nitrogen range and what happens when rates exceed it in the latest Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy blog. The podcast digs into new research, prompted by dust storms, about soybean performance across different tillage systems and fertilizer strategies.

Check out the latest podcast on your favorite platform or online: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/nutrient-loss-reduction/2026-03-20-nitrogen-rates-above-mrtn-timing-decisions-and-farm-level

Two recent University of Illinois studies reveal new insights about long‑term nitrogen trends and what’s driving nitrate loss across the Mississippi River Basin.

What’s causing nitrogen loss? 💧
Climate, land use, and hydrology all have a role in nutrient loss.
https://aces.illinois.edu/news/illinois-researchers-untangle-drivers-nitrogen-loss-upper-mississippi-river-basin

Where are nitrate levels declining? 💧
A 20‑year review reveals modern corn hybrids and cleaner air are helping reduce nitrogen pollution.
https://aces.illinois.edu/news/study-shows-20-year-decline-nitrate-pollution-across-portions-mississippi-river-basin

Illinois researchers untangle drivers of nitrogen loss in the Upper Mississippi River Basin | College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences | Illinois Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign can now differentiate between human-derived and hydrological contributions of riverine nitrogen pollution in the Upper Mississippi River Basin.

Women and the Land: Spotlight on Conservation invites women in agriculture to learn how applying conservation practices alongside sound farm financial management can optimize their farming operations.

The seminar will feature the following topics:
✅Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy and Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership resources
✅Conservation practices to reduce nutrient loss
✅Understanding cost share programs
✅Value of conservation practices
✅Farm financial analysis

The seminar is hosted by Illinois Extension and the Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District, and is an Annie's Project-inspired event. The event is free to attend, and lunch will be provided, courtesy of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

📆Tuesday, March 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
📍Farm Credit Illinois, 2401 W. Haven Rd., Lawrenceville, IL

For more information or to register, visit go.illinois.edu/WomenAndTheLand.

Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Precision Conservation Management