By Andi Anderson
Unmanaged drainage and insufficient soil conservation can significantly impact farm productivity and sustainability. Addressing these challenges begins with understanding field conditions and exploring effective management solutions.
To support farmers and landowners, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Illinois Extension are hosting a two-day Integrated Water Management Workshop on February 26 and 27. The event will take place at the Farm Credit Illinois Regional Office in Mahomet and aims to equip participants with practical knowledge and resources to enhance agricultural water and nutrient management.
Attendees will engage with university researchers, Extension specialists, and Natural Resources Conservation Service staff to learn strategies for improving crop productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. Topics include integrated water management, soil drainage, nutrient loss reduction, surface runoff control, and soil erosion prevention.
The workshop's goal is to empower participants with actionable knowledge to implement water management practices confidently and collaborate effectively with contractors. According to Bin Peng, assistant professor and Extension specialist in crop sciences, the event will focus on treating farmland as a holistic system to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Workshop Schedule
Day 1: February 26 (9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
- Introduction to Integrated Water Management
- Assessing Field Conditions
- Identifying Issues and Evaluating Solutions
- Enhancing Soil Drainage
Day 2: February 27 (9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
- Sustainable Water Management for Production and Environmental Health
- Surface Runoff and Soil Erosion Management
- Efficient Nutrient Use Practices
- Workshop Wrap-Up and Discussion
“This workshop will help farmers and landowners tackle common issues like poor drainage and nutrient loss, leading to better crop yields and healthier soil,” said Luciano Alves de Oliveira, assistant professor in the department of agricultural and biological engineering, part of College of ACES. “Without these practices, it risks losing valuable nutrients, erosion problems, and now, more than ever, it’s important to stay ahead of changing weather and regulations to keep your farm sustainable and productive,”
The registration fee is $15, covering lunch on both days for those registered by February 19. Additional details, including the agenda and registration link, are available at go.illinois.edu/IntegratedWater. For inquiries or accommodation requests, contact Talon Becker at tbecker2@illinois.edu or 217-300-0576.
Photo Credit: istock-blackjack3d
Categories: Illinois, Business