AMES, Iowa (September 16, 2025) — A new study from Iowa State University sheds light on the evolving landscape of agricultural conservation in Iowa. It found that many farmers who adopted two key conservation practices -- cover crops and no-till -- did not continue to use the practices over time.
The research, published in the journal Society & Natural Resources, explored farmers’ self-reports of whether they adopted, continued or abandoned the conservation practices between 2015 to 2019. The survey data from more than 3,200 farmers across six major watersheds in the state demonstrates the importance of factoring “disadoption" rates for conservation practices into conservation assessments and goals.
The findings showing high disadoption rates challenges conventional assumptions about conservation practice implementation and offers important insights for policymakers, extension professionals and conservation advocates.
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