Basic farming practices help water quality

To the editor:

Living in Clermont, located on the banks of the Turkey River in northwest Iowa, has its good and not-so-good points. But it also reveals the agricultural practices that are taking place up stream.

There seems to be much paper wasted and ink splashed on the subject of agriculture and water quality. But no one seems to remember there are a few basic farming practices that could greatly help the water quality of Iowa's rivers and streams. If you are a conservationist and have respect for the land, these practices should be front and center in your farming decisions. These practices are essential to help overhaul and maintain of the water quality in the Turkey River watershed.

l Do not remove residue from the previous year's crop. You already have received a generous gift from the land in your harvest. This is an easy start to putting back into the soil whatever you can. Leave the residue.

l Do not fall till. Repeat, do not fall till. It leaves the soil exposed to wind and water erosion. No-till has shown excellent yields and saves trips across the field which has many benefits ecologically. No-till reduces your carbon footprint, too.

l Do not leave any sign of man-made tracks which are not on the contour anywhere in fields.

I have read a wise Chinese Proverb from around 3,000 BC which says it all about water quality: If you want clean rivers and streams, start at the top of the mountain.

Mike Finnegan

Retired farmer

Clermont