Search
Nutrient removal by prairie filter strips in agricultural landscapes
Radio Highlight: STRIPS collaborators discuss farmer adaptation to extreme weather
(August, 2014) STRIPS scientist Matt Liebman and farmer Seth Watkins were highlighted in an NPR story about how Iowa's Corn Farmers Learn to Adapt to Weather Extremes
Read more about Radio Highlight: STRIPS collaborators discuss farmer adaptation to extreme weather
Chapter 4: Prairie Strips - One Possible Solution
Prairie Strips - One Possible Solution
The integration of prairie strips into row crops is one possible solution to address the challenges facing Midwest farmers. Read more about Chapter 4: Prairie Strips - One Possible Solution
What is the STRIPS Project?
What is the STRIPS Project?
Research helps farmers succeed with prairie
Small changes = BIG impact!
STRIPS stands for Science-based Trials of Rowcrops Integrated with Prairie Strips. The STRIPS project is composed of a team of scientists, educators, farmers, and extension specialists working on the prairie strips farmland conservation practice. Our research shows that prairie strips are an affordable option for farmers and farm landowners seeking to garner multiple benefits. By converting 10% of a crop field to diverse, native perennials farmers and farmland owners can reduce the amount of soil leaving their fields by 95% and the amount of nitrogen leaving their fields through surface runoff by up to 85%. Prairie strips also provide habitat for wildlife, including pollinators and other beneficial insects.
Need more information on just what prairie strips are? Click here.
Or visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
To watch a short movie about the history, design, and benefits of prairie strips please click here.
To find out about our team, mission, vision, and guiding principles: Read more.
Interested in implementing prairie strips on your land? Contact prairiestrips@iastate.edu today! Read more about Small changes = BIG impact!
New Research Collaboration Takes Action to Restore Biodiversity and Increase Resilience in Agriculture Systems
Assessing the Effects of Embedding Prairie Strips within Row Crop Fields on Soil Hydraulic Properties and Soil Health
Research Overview
The STRIPS project began in 2003, when Iowa State University scientists began discussing the opportunity to test the effects of integrating restored prairie in crop fields with managers at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Together, the scientists and refuge managers established four different treatments on 12 small watersheds at Neal Smith in 2007. As of 2012, we're now also working on a growing number of commercial farm fields across Iowa and northern Missouri. Read more about the research background, farmer collaborators, and research topics here. Read more about Research Overview