In 2013, Iowa created the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy to reduce nutrient loading into the rivers and streams throughout the state as part of the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Taskforce. The strategy identifies a suite of in-field practices including no-till, fertilizer management and cover crops. Cover crops, such as oats or rye, are planted outside the crop season to provide ground cover and stabilize soil with their roots between fall and spring, a period when soils are often fallow and barren. Cover crops, when planted over several years, improve the quality and water-holding capacity of soils, reduce erosion, pests, and diseases, and increase biodiversity and wildlife. For example, a study by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach (2014) found that rye and oat cover crops reduce field level nitrogen and phosphorus runoff concentrations by an average of roughly 30%, although the results are highly variable. The Ohio State University Extension (2009) found that Òbare soil that has been tilled has the ability to hold 1.5Ð1.7 inches of water, while a continuously vegetated soil has the ability to hold 4.2Ð4.5 inches of water [and that] living plants, plant roots, organic matter, and the polysaccharides in the soil (glomalin) stabilize the soil and allow the soil to retain more water than a tilled soil.Ó Currently, only 2% of Iowa row crop acres are planted with cover crops and farmers unfamiliar with the practice can be reluctant to incorporate it due to uncertainty in establishment techniques and financial risks. Cover crops also have the potential to sequester about 60 million metric tons of CO2-equivalent per year when planted across 20 million acres (SARE 2021). The Nature Conservancy owns two preserves (ClausenÕs Cove in the Cedar Watershed and the Steele farms in the Little Sioux Watershed) that include approximately 218 acres of cropland which are rented to local farmers. These farmers are new to cover crops and thus have a great deal of hesitation and concern on integrating their use into their farming operation. This project will support the use of cover crops for 5 years to build confidence and knowledge with the tenant farmers while improving soil health, reducing nutrient runoff and improving the water holding capacity of the soils. Who is TNC and TNCÕs Principles of Corporate Engagement The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, and helping make cities more sustainable with ambitious 2030 goals. Working in more than 72 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org. For more information on TNCÕs 2030 Goals, go here: https://tnc.box.com/s/bcuyuinrtbdbesovxy5fr51h22amr3tc TNCÕs Principles of Corporate Engagement All of TNCÕs corporate engagements must have conservation benefits with lasting, measurable outcomes, and a direct connection to our mission. Please review our Principles of Corporate Engagement, which all engagements must meet: https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/who-we-are/how-we-work/working-with-companies/corporate-principles/