The researchers studied the distribution and abundance of the plant species of farmland woodlots in central Iowa, with particular emphasis on the differences in species composition between sites currently or recently grazed by cattle versus those that had not been grazed for more than 50 years. In addition, various attributes of common species and less common (restricted) species were compared.

Shelterbelts have the potential to influence growth and yield from various cropping systems. On-farm tests were conducted to determine how shelterbelts interacted with corn, corn/soybean, and strip intercropping.

The midwestern landscape, which formerly consisted of prairies, wetlands, and forests, is now primarily devoted to agricultural purposes. Unfortunately, the resulting large-scale agricultural production has also produced nonpoint source (NPS) pollution of water, alteration of waterways, and disruption of wildlife habitat. NPS pollution, whether by sediment, fertilizers, or pesticides, is a problem nationwide. The agricultural community has addressed this problem by increasing soil conservation efforts and improving chemical application practices. One Best Management Practice (BMP) is the use of riparian (streamside) vegetative filter strips on watersheds prone to such pollution. Most such filter strips to date consist primarily of cool-season grasses.

Those interested in planting black walnuts have lacked information about the best cultivars available for planting in Iowa. This project initiated long-term studies of several varieties of black walnut trees to determine the best cultivars for Iowa growers.

Yield data for corn (eight years) and soybeans (six years) were collected and analyzed to determine the impacts of a hybrid poplar shelterbelt on crop production on a central Iowa farm.

Weed competition and economics are two common barriers to Iowa farmers' investing in tree plantings. This project examined seven weed control strategies and investigated productivity of small grain/forage combinations raised with trees in an effort to suggest management options that would encourage tree planting in the state.

The goal of this initial three-year project was to establish the pawpaw trees and bring them to fruiting stage. This was part of a long-term effort to evaluate the potential for an Iowa pawpaw tree fruit crop.