The 15th annual Drainage Research Forum will be Nov. 18 at the Iowa State University Alumni Center on campus. Registration is at 8 a.m. and the program runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The forum provides results and updates on drainage research and farm projects by university and agency research leaders. It is jointly sponsored by Iowa State University, the University of Minnesota and South Dakota State University.
A selected list of presentation topics at the forum includes biomass production strategies and potential drainage impacts, two-stage ditch design, pumped outlets and farmer perspectives on emerging drainage practices.
The program is intended for all drainage stakeholders, including state and federal agency staff, county supervisors, crop consultants, academics, contractors, farmers and those interested in drainage research issues in the upper Midwest.
“The Drainage Research Forum is an important event for stakeholders to hear about the latest research and have an opportunity to engage in discussion with foremost experts from the nation and the region,” said Matt Helmers, professor and Extension agricultural engineer. “We hope attendees learn about current research being conducted to better understand the role of drainage in our agricultural landscapes as well as learn about methods to reduce downstream nutrient loss from our drainage systems.”
In celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Drainage Research Forum, this program will feature a special keynote address, “The History and Future of Drainage Research,” from internationally renowned drainage researcher Wayne Skaggs of North Carolina State University. Skaggs is a William Neal Reynolds and Distinguished University Professor of drainage and agricultural water management in Biological and Agricultural Engineering. He is internationally recognized for his work in drainage research and as the developer of the DRAINMOD model.
Online registration is available at www.aep.iastate.edu/drf/. Pre-registration is $50 and must be completed online by midnight, Nov. 11. Later or on-site registration is $75. Student pre-registration is $25 or $50 for later or on-site registration. Registration includes lunch and conference materials. Cancellations requesting a refund must be received by midnight, Nov. 11.
The story first appeared here.