Small Prairie Plantings Bring Big Rewards In Midwest Farm Fields

Much of the Midwest is dominated by farming: rows and rows of soybeans and corn, with bare soil between the rows. But before farming took over, the dominant ecosystem was prairie. Researchers at Iowa State University wondered if bringing the two ecosystems together could benefit both.They tested the idea in 12 small corn and soybean watersheds in central Iowa, planting strips of prairie grasses next to the row plants, collecting data over 10 years.It worked."Farmers started coming forward and saying, 'You know, I like what I’m seeing, and I want to try this on my farm,'" said Lisa Schulte Moore, a professor of natural resource ecology and management and lead author of the study.Researchers found that, when planted strategically, the prairie grasses reduced soil erosion and water runoff. They also provided an additional habitat for native wildlife.