Arkansas Water Resources Center conference to address water in agriculture

Agricultural uses of water will be a central topic of discussion at this year’s Arkansas Water Resources Center conference.

The theme for year’s conference, scheduled for July 25-26 in Fayetteville, is “Protecting Water Supplies for People and the Environment.”

Water quality and quantity for agricultural uses is a major topic being covered this year, according to a release from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Researchers and farmers are looking for ways to reduce the amount of nutrients running off agricultural fields to help improve downstream water quality and fertilizer use efficiency. Researchers are also working on ways to reduce the amount of water needed for irrigation, which is important because water supplies are dwindling at an unsustainable rate.

The conference will bring in researchers from Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana to talk about water issues in agriculture. Speakers will discuss strategies to improve water quality and quantity so farmers can continue growing enough food to feed the increasing population, and do so in a sustainable way.

Other topics that will be covered at the conference, according to the release, include source water protection, science and policy in the Illinois River Watershed, current research by the U.S. Geological Survey, and urban water management. The Arkansas chapter of the American Water Resources Association will present sessions on dam safety and water supply issues as well.

The last day to register for the conference is July 18. Those who register by this date will receive a free conference t-shirt. To register, or for more information about the conference, follow this link.