Water Quality

Blog Posts

Soybeans growing through cover crop biomass

Cover crop conversations: Cultural and mindset shifts

July 7, 2026

In...

When using pesticides, watch for wells

June 4, 2026

If you apply pesticides, good environmental safety practices can help protect sensitive areas that influence drinking water quality. Be aware of...

The role of the soil microbiome in reducing nutrient loss

May 29, 2026

In...

Stories from the field: Managing invasive species at Emiquon Preserve

May 21, 2026

When water returned to the floodplain at The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve in west central Illinois, it marked a major restoration success....

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News Releases

May 7, 2026

Farm Drainage Series Part 8: A USDA Certified Wetland Review is required before altering farm drainage
PEORIA, Ill. - Most farmers and absentee landowners who own or farm cropland in Illinois rely on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) benefit programs. These programs serve as a safety net to keep farm operations economically viable and motivate them to adopt environmentally...

May 13, 2026

Illinois study: Can designer biochar pellets help manage phosphorus in agricultural fields?
Tile drainage is common in U.S. Midwest agricultural fields, helping to remove excess water and aerate the soil. While the practice enhances crop productivity, it can cause phosphorus to leak into nearby waterways, where it contributes to harmful algal blooms. Directing tile-drain...

May 12, 2026

Delve into water quality research at Dudley Smith Farm Field Day
PANA, Ill. — To help area agricultural producers learn about the latest research on water quality, conservation practices, and related topics, the Dudley Smith Initiative is hosting a research plot tour this June with...

March 2, 2026

Study shows 20-year decline in nitrate pollution across portions of the Mississippi River Basin
A new accounting of nitrogen pollution in the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin (MARB) reveals a significant decline in recent decades, suggesting positive momentum for water quality goals in local watersheds and the Gulf. Surprisingly, the University of Illinois...

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Videos

Cover Crop Conversations: Farmer-to-Farmer Insights Across Illinois - Part 2

Illinois farmers discuss how cover crops fit into their systems, what they have learned along the way, and how these practices support soil health, nutrient management, erosion control, and farm profitability under very different soils and climate conditions.

Actions to Reduce Water Pollution

What’s in your water? Learn about common water pollutants, how your daily actions, indoor and outdoor, impact water quality, and how water is treated before returning to rivers and lakes. Simple tips to prevent pollution start with you.

This webinar was recorded on May 8, 2025. Find more...