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University of Northern Iowa Ag Researchers Work to Establish Prairie Ecosystems

Posted on: Monday, 20 February 2006, 18:00 CST

By Matthew Wilde, Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Iowa

Feb. 20--CEDAR FALLS -- The University of Northern Iowa turns out teachers like Iowa farmers grow corn -- by the bushel full.

About one-quarter of UNI's 12,500 students are education majors. It's easy to see why people think of Iowa State University when it comes to agriculture research and education. But UNI plays a vital role as well, especially when it comes to showing farmers they can make money while strengthening local ecosystems.

One way is establishing a native prairie -- like Iowa's landscape before land was tilled for row crops -- and incorporating it into a rotational grazing system. Researchers and farmers say it provides livestock with an abundant, cheap feed source when conventional pastures aren't productive, while helping the environment and providing needed wildlife habitat.

For a little more than a decade, UNI biology professor Laura Jackson and her students have studied the concept. About 10 acres of prairie serves as a training ground just southeast of the main campus.

With the help of several Northeast Iowa cattle farmers, they've found big blue stem, Indian grass and switch grass, along with assorted wildflowers, are a good compliment to traditional alfalfa and brome pastures. The long roots of native grasses make them drought-resistant, reaching deep into the water table, and they hold soil in place during large rain events.

"Some people think of it as an insurance policy for their cow/calf operations. During a drought, it will be there," Jackson said.

By re-introducing native grasses to Iowa, Jackson believes it will help the state's soil and water quality. She thinks it can be done without sacrificing Iowa's status as a world leader in food production. More grass means less commercial fertilizer on the land that can pollute water, and grasses also act as a natural strainer keeping contaminants from reaching waterways.

Jackson co-edited a book of essays in 2002 called, "The Farm as Natural Habitat: Reconnecting Food Systems and Ecosystems." She also lectures on the subject.

Since UNI isn't tied to research dollars provided by large agribusinesses, Jackson said the college can provide assistance that might not be available otherwise.

"We offer an independent viewpoint. We can study things objectively ... while figuring out what's best for the ecological landscape," Jackson said.

Mike Natvig of rural Protovin feeds about 30 stock cows almost exclusively with forage material. He switches animals to native grasses that are going strong in late July when traditional pastures often run short. Heat and dry conditions curtail growth of cool-season grasses like alfalfa, but not warm-season plants like big blue stem.

Natvig has been involved in the research project from its inception in 1995.

"The cows really seem to like it," he said. "I thought it would make a good cow forage and habitat for wildlife, another interest of mine."

While edible, native grasses don't have the nutritional value of alfalfa or clover, another traditional pasture grass.

Steve and Sherri Carolan of rural Decorah first turned their cows out on seven acres of native grasses three years ago. Now the couple has 50 acres with plans for more.

The Carolans own 150 stock cows. Steve said he's getting a return from the land and he's not using as much expensive fuel to farm, unlike when he raised more corn and soybeans.

"Like any other grass, if you graze it right, it's good. Once it (native grasses) gets established, it will be there forever," Steve said.

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Copyright (c) 2006, Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Iowa

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Source: Waterloo Courier

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