Illinois NLRS Program and Project Narratives

The Nitrogen Rate Trials program is coordinated and managed by the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association in partnership with University of Illinois and the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council. Since 2014, ongoing trials have helped to provide nitrogen recommendations through the Maximum Return To Nitrogen Calculator. An expanded partnership with Precision Conservation Management, retailers, and producers throughout Illinois will implement new trial protocols and approaches to integrating weather, soil, and yield data with hopes of improving the MRTN approach to nitrogen management. For more information, see ifca.com/4R/Trials. 

The North Branch Chicago River Watershed Workgroup was formed in January 2018 to identify and assess water quality issues along the three forks of the North Branch Chicago River. The watershed includes portions of Lake and Cook counties and consists of 42 separate organizations, including 24 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, MS4, communities and agencies, two of which are publicly owned treatment works. Following Illinois EPA approval of its quality assurance plan and continued water quality monitoring, they developed a NARP work plan in 2021-22 and hired a consultant to help with plan implementation, expected to run through 2025. For more information, see nbwwil.org

The Nutrient Stewardship Grant Program is a cornerstone of Illinois Farm Bureau’s overall NLRS implementation efforts. Since 2015, more than $1 million has been committed to the program. In addition, it has provided other significant resources for county Farm Bureau and farmer member-led nutrient stewardship projects. To date, funds have been awarded to 138 projects across 74 Illinois counties. Projects have often involved a wide array of partners who provide additional expertise to individual projects. For more information, see www.ilfb.org/FieldDays. 

The Precision Conservation Management program is an agricultural service program created to assist farmers with identifying the best management practices for their individual farming operations, conservation interests, and business goals. It is jointly managed by the Illinois Corn Growers Association and the Illinois Soybean Association. For more information, see www.precisionconservation.org. 

The annual Risk Management Conference highlights soil health and land stewardship as tools to reduce production and market risk. Farmer‑led presentations focus on productivity, profitability, and adapting to changing climate and market conditions. The 2019 conference in Sycamore, Illinois drew nearly 100 participants to explore soil health systems and farm resilience. In 2020, the conference reached over 200 people through three webinars addressing climate impacts on fieldwork, soil health’s role in working capital, and consumer demand for sustainably produced crops. AFT and TNC are recognized for leadership in planning the conference. 

The Soil Health and Conservation Drainage Specialist Network builds on ISAP’s train‑the‑trainer programs to support farmers and professionals interested in conservation cropping systems and edge‑of‑field practices. Over 40 specialists—including farmers, consultants, and SWCD staff—are listed on the ISAP website and provide technical assistance and field day presentations. ISAP and AFT also host monthly calls featuring cover crop research and peer discussion. Individuals interested in participating or sharing expertise are encouraged to contact ISAP. 

American Farmland Trust provided leadership for the Upper Macoupin Creek Watershed Partnership, comprised of 15 federal, state, and local government partners, agricultural trade associations, environmental groups, agricultural retailers, and a local university. The goal of the partnership is to increase the use of conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and phosphorus loss in the watershed. 

IFCA collaborates with water supply officials in Lake Springfield, Lake Decatur, Lake Vermilion, and Lake Bloomington/Evergreen to regularly monitor nitrate levels and improve nitrogen management practices to keep levels below 10 ppm. Through an Illinois EPA 319 project, IFCA, Sangamon County SWCD, and Springfield’s City Water, Light, and Power conduct nitrogen rate trials to ensure watershed recommendations remain current. IFCA also supports partners by organizing educational meetings and sharing information on 4R nutrient management practices.  

AFT engaged female non‑operating landowners through the Women for the Land initiative by hosting two virtual learning circles in 2020 with Champaign County SWCD, funded by PepsiCo. The events increased participants’ knowledge of cover crops and confidence in discussing conservation with family and tenant farmers, with over half requesting more information. AFT also partnered with ICGA and ISA to host discussions for advisers and conservation professionals focused on conservation on rented land. Follow‑up interviews showed strong interest in additional information on cover crops, soil health, and related topics. 

This project, formerly the Crop Insurance Reward Program for Cover Crops, promotes cover crops to reduce nutrient loss, erosion, and runoff while improving soil health. Led by American Farmland Trust and partners, it offers a $5-per-acre crop insurance discount to farmers who plant cover crops without other funding. Prioritized in NLRS watersheds, the pilot tests whether financial incentives can increase adoption, enhance soil resiliency, and reduce long-term yield variability and insurance claims.

The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup was formed in 2005 in response to concerns about total maximum daily loads, TMDLs, set for the east and west branches of the DuPage River and Salt Creek, located in portions of Cook, DuPage, and Will counties in northeastern Illinois. The workgroup seeks to implement targeted watershed activities that resolve priority waterway problems efficiently and cost-effectively. In 2015 and 2020, a special condition to the workgroup’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit was added that substantially increased financial commitments to restoration efforts focused on improving aquatic life. The condition includes 10 stream restoration projects, two studies, and the development of a Nutrient Implementation Plan. For more information, see drscw.org. 

Since 2017, ICGA and TNC have tracked adoption of conservation and soil health practices in Illinois using high‑resolution satellite imagery. They conduct biannual assessments of buffers, cover crops, and green plant cover, supported by random ground truthing to improve accuracy. A more detailed and aggregated summary of findings is expected in the 2023 biennial report. 

ISAP’s Advanced Soil Health Training was developed to build expertise among farmers, advisers, retailers, and conservation professionals on the science and management of soil health. Topics include soil structure, chemistry, and biology; cover crops; planting and tillage equipment; field demonstrations; and outreach strategies. The 18‑month program combines classroom and in‑field training and encourages graduates to share knowledge through field days and presentations. Cohorts completed training in central Illinois (2019) and the tri‑state region (2020), with a bi‑state cohort beginning in 2020. 

The Hickory Creek Watershed Planning Group disbanded and was absorbed into the Lower Des Plaines Watershed Group.  

The Illinois Buffer Partnership, led by Trees Forever, supports farmers, landowners, and communities in installing and maintaining conservation buffers that reduce erosion, improve water and soil quality, and enhance wildlife habitat. Participants may receive funding, technical assistance, and outreach opportunities. The program has supported dozens of projects statewide, promoting conservation practices, native plant use, and environmental education. 

ISAP’s Advanced Conservation Drainage Training program focuses on practices such as saturated buffers, constructed wetlands, controlled drainage, and bioreactors to reduce nitrate‑nitrogen from tile drainage. The program provides classroom and hands‑on training to help make conservation drainage a standard part of tile installation and farm management, while building a professional network to support these practices. In 2019, in‑person trainings were held in central Illinois. In 2020, training shifted to a three‑part webinar series, with recordings available online. 

The Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association’s Keep it 4R Crop program is based on principles of 4R nutrient stewardship: use the right nutrient source, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. IFCA works closely with its members, including fertilizer manufacturers, distributors, and agricultural retailers, to promote the 4Rs and uphold the IFCA 4R Code of Practice, which promotes education and adoption of specific fertilizer management practices designed to reduce nutrient losses and assure nutrient use by the crop. 

For 20 years, the Fox River Study Group has worked to improve the health of the Fox River for the benefit of the nearly 1 million citizens in the Fox River Valley and the over 300,000 people whose drinking water comes from the river. In 2022, the group updated its 2015 Fox River Implementation Plan and successfully advocated for a relaunch of a multi-dam removal feasibility study. To reduce algae and improve oxygen conditions in the river, the 2022 Fox River Implementation Plan recommends combining further phosphorus reductions from wastewater inputs with dam removals. For more information, see foxriverstudygroup.org.

The Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership is a non-profit member-based organization working collaboratively to encourage the adoption of sustainable and profitable production practices that improve soil health and restore local waters. By developing comprehensive programming, building a strong network of sustainable agriculture advocates, and sharing relevant research and resources, the partnership is committed to working together to support healthy soil, clean water, and profitable farms in Illinois. The organization invites conservation leaders to share their own conservation story by adding their pin to its new Conservation Story Map at ilsustainableag.org/conservation-story-map.

Updates on previously-reported NLRS programs and projects, such as the Advanced Conservation Drainage Training, Advanced Soil Health Training, and Soil Health and Conservation Drainage Specialist Network (Local Farmer-Led Networks), and Illinois Alphabet Soup Group, can be found at www.ilsustainableag.org. 

The Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association concluded its 4R Metric Survey – in reference to right source, right rate, right time, and right place nutrient management practices – in the summer of 2022. A questionnaire was sent to agricultural retail members with questions regarding varying nitrogen and phosphorus agricultural practices for fall and spring. Beginning with the fall of 2018 and concluding after the spring of 2022, the survey spanned four growing seasons.   

The Illinois Corn Growers Association and University of Illinois created a 160-acre field lab in Macon County to study conservation practices. It supports multidisciplinary research on nutrient management, soil health, and sensors, using advanced systems to collect detailed soil and water data, including tile drainage. Researchers evaluate impacts on water quality, crop production, and farm profitability.

The Franklin Research and Demonstration Farm showcases how agriculture and natural systems can work together to improve crop production, water quality, research, and habitat. Studies found wetlands can store phosphorus while reducing nitrogen. Public tours were held in 2019, though paused in 2020 due to COVID-19, with monitoring continuing. Research and publications by partners highlight the role of constructed wetlands in sustainable agriculture. 

Since 2014, the Calumet Stormwater Collaborative has convened stakeholders to solve flooding and water quality problems in the Little Calumet River and Cal-Sag Channel watersheds. Representatives from more than 40 organizations participate in the collaborative. During monthly meetings, group members exchange information on water quality and flooding needs as well as worthwhile projects and initiatives. The collaborative has developed free, online green infrastructure design templates for communities, a new data-mapping tool for the region, a repository of stormwater management resources, and a logic model for green infrastructure training and maintenance. It developed four watershed plans: the Little Calumet River, Cal-Sag Channel, Des Plaines River in Cook County, and Poplar Creek. These plans were approved by Illinois EPA and recommend best management practices, such as green infrastructure, to reduce nutrient pollution from stormwater.

As of 2023, the Calument Stormwater Collaborative has completed the first iteration of the green infrastructure baseline inventory, led by the Metropolitan Planning Council, and the urban flooding baseline, led by the Center for Neighborhood Technology. 

More information on the green infrastructure baseline can be found at www.metroplanning.org/work/project/23/ subpage/7. 
The urban flooding baseline tool can be found at ufb.cnt.org. 

The Saturated Buffer Partnership is a five-year collaboration between Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association Inc., Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service. The purpose of this partnership is to support saturated buffer installation, water quality monitoring of the practice, and outreach events. For more information, see www.illica.net/projects or www.ilfb.org/nlrspractices. 

The Lower Des Plaines Watershed Group coordinates a watershed bioassessment program to identify and address priority water quality issues in the Lower Des Plaines River and its 19 tributaries. The workgroup also provides extensive outreach materials for members and the public on issues related to water quality. For more information, see www.LDPWatersheds.org.

The National Green Infrastructure Certification Program Training Center is located at Parkland College in Champaign. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ownership transition of the certification program, the center did not hold any trainings in 2021. The center successfully held its first virtual training in spring 2022 and plans to hold two to three trainings annually. Faculty in the center are also involved in the Curriculum Committee to update the program curriculum. For more information, see www.ngicp.org. 

The Illinois Farm Bureau and GROWMARK partner through the 4R4U program to promote 4R nutrient stewardship—right source, rate, time, and place—across Illinois. Working with County Farm Bureaus and FS Companies, 11 local partnerships use test plots to evaluate practices such as nitrogen rates, split applications, stabilizers, no-till, cover crops, soil sampling, and saturated buffers. The program relies on farmer and retailer collaboration to increase awareness and improve nutrient management at the local level.

Since 2012, the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council has been Illinois agriculture’s primary investment into nutrient research. The Council is created by state statute and works closely with a variety of stakeholders across Illinois. It supports the Illinois NLRS through targeted research requests for proposals and investments as well as education and outreach. Focus areas include: applying and understanding the 4Rs, capturing excess nutrients in the field, mitigating loss of nutrients to water supplies, and studying other nutrient management issues. For more information see www.illinoisnrec.org. 

Leadership for Midwestern Watersheds (LMW), led by AFT and partners, is a forum that brings together professionals working to reduce agricultural runoff in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. Since 2011, it has held 12 meetings to promote collaboration, share knowledge, and improve water quality outcomes. Annual meetings focus on farmer engagement, conservation practices, and measuring results. LMW also supports ongoing learning through surveys, digital platforms, and networking, helping watershed leaders exchange tools, ideas, and strategies across the Midwest 

The Illinois Corn Growers Precision Conservation Management team has been working with participating farmers in the 5-Year Soil Health Transition program to complete new enrollments and to prepare current participants for adapting to soil health management systems. Conservation specialists work with each farmer to evaluate the financial and logistical details of implementing new management practices. For more information, see www.precisionconservation.org

Illinois Corn Growers Association believes in recognizing early adopters and finding ways to support growth of cover crop acres across the state. They partner with various organizations and companies to provide financial support to growers in the form of direct cost-share dollars and incentives. For more information, see Ilcorn.org/covercrops. 

The Edge-of-Field Partnership for Woodchip Bioreactors is a multi-year collaboration between Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association Inc., University of Illinois, and Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service. The goal of this partnership is to install a woodchip bioreactor each year and to support research into the impact of woodchip bioreactors on water quality at each site for the five-year collaboration period, and beyond. In previous years, the partnership has installed woodchip bioreactors in Bureau and Henry counties. 

In 2021, the partners finalized the installation of the fourth woodchip bioreactor in McDonough County. Due to extended project delays throughout 2021, the partners pushed back their in-person field day to July 2022. In November 2022, the partners installed the fifth woodchip bioreactor in Sangamon County, with plans to host a field day in summer 2023.

For more information, see www.illica.net/projects or www.ilfb.org/nlrspractices.  

In 2021–22, the Lawn to Lake Midwest Program used insights from the 2019 Lawn Caretaker Survey to develop five outreach tools, distribute 50,000 copies of each across the state, and create a comprehensive website to showcase them. A social media campaign raised awareness of the new resources by generating 85,000 impressions, or views, and driving 10,000 users to the new website. For more information, see LawntoLakeMidwest.org.  

The Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition coordinates a watershed bioassessment program to identify and address priority water quality issues in the Lower DuPage River and its tributaries. The Coalition recently funded the removal of the Hammel Woods Dam in Shorewood, and planning is underway for a second instream habitat restoration project in Plainfield. The Coalition also provides extensive outreach materials for members and the public on issues related to water quality. For more information, see www.LDPWatersheds.org.