July 9 presentation by Iowa State University’s Wenjuan Huang
AMES, Iowa — The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place July 9, at noon CDT will feature Wenjuan Huang, assistant professor, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University. Huang’s research focuses on soil carbon and nutrient cycling in both nature and managed ecosystems to promote soil health. She integrates field measurements, lab incubation and mechanistic models to understand how plant-microbial-mineral interactions affect soil carbon persistence and nutrient availability/retention.
In the webinar, “Hidden Carbon Credits: Reducing Soil Organic Carbon Erosion with Cover Crops,” Huang will highlight research to quantify the reduction of organic carbon loss through erosion in fields planted with cover crops. She will also discuss global hot spots where cover crops could be highly effective in reducing erosion and carbon losses that are accelerated by erosion from croplands.
“Cover crops clearly reduce soil erosion, but the role this practice plays in carbon loss prevention is often overlooked,” said Huang. “We often focus on the plant carbon that cover crops add to the soil, but the ability to reduce carbon losses is also important. The amount of soil carbon retained and where cover crops will work most effectively for this purpose is still unclear, but ongoing research is seeking to clarify best practices and quantify benefits.
Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
Don’t miss this webinar!
DATE: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
TIME: Noon CDT
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Shortly before noon CDT, click the link below or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xtAwWXycQZW8iwtNLz34GA#/registration
Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter webinar ID: 999 3709 5398
Or, join via phone:
Dial: 646-876-9923
Webinar ID: 999 3709 5398
The webinar will also be recorded and archived. All archived webinars are available on the ILF website, so that they can be watched at any time.
ILF has applied for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) for attending this webinar. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.
Up Next: Wednesday, July 16, “Soil Microbiome and Biological Testing: Where are we now and where are we going?,” with Roland Wilhelm, Purdue University.
About Iowa Learning Farms:
Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) is building a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA Section 319 Grant Program and GROWMARK, Inc.
–Iowa Learning Farms
