Abstract
Extreme prairie habitat loss in Iowa due to the conversion of land to agricultural fields has resulted in negative consequences, including increased erosion, increased runoff, and decreased biodiversity. By incorporating prairie strips into agricultural fields, the aforementioned consequences can be minimized. This practice is the initiative of the Science-based Trials of Rowcrops Integrated with Prairie Strips (STRIPS) team at Iowa State University. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers economic incentives for incorporating conservation practices like prairie strips, yet prairie strip use is not widespread. To examine this issue, the attitudes of ten farmers towards employing these practices were measured through interviews. Economic concerns surrounding adoption arose, as did concerns with the necessity of prairie strips and relationships with the NRCS. Addressing these concerns and ensuring economic incentives remain available may aid in maximizing the effectiveness of prairie strip implementation.
Recommended Citation
Becker, Ashley E.; Anderson, Robin A.; and Blair, Amy C.
(2019)
"Eastern Iowa Farmers’ Attitudes Towards the Incorporation of Prairie Strips in Agricultural Fields and Economic Incentives,"
RURALS: Review of Undergraduate Research in Agricultural and Life Sciences: Vol. 12:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/rurals/vol12/iss1/2