WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Protecting a critical resource
Water is one of the most important resources. Thoughtful farming practices can protect and improve water quality.
Timely moisture is key to productive crops
Adequate water is most important to soybeans throughout the growing season, but is most critical during the pod development and seed fill stages.
Best management practices protect water quality
While being careful with water use and crop inputs helps water quality, there are best management practices that farmers put in place to further care for water sources.

Grass waterways and buffer strips
By building grass waterways and buffer strips around fields and streams, farmers add a natural filter that slows water runoff, traps sediment and enhances infiltration.
Conservation tillage
No-till, reduced-till and vertical tillage systems leave crop residue on the field after harvest, creating a barrier that protects soil from wind and water erosion. This also decreases soil in water runoff.
Cover crops
Between soybean growing seasons, farmers can plant cover crops such as cereal rye or wheat to further protect soil from heavy rainfall and erosion.
Water isn’t just important to farming
Farmers live in their communities, too, and want to ensure that enough clean water is available for everyone.