Total maximum daily loads: New rules

On July 11, 2000, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued new rules expanding and strengthening total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) as a tool to control nonpoint source pollutants in Iowa\u27s surface waters. A TMDL is defined as the amount of a pollutant that a water body such as a stream, lake, reservoir, or wetland can receive and still meet designated water quality standards

Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches -3/E.

The Third Edition of the bestselling text Research Design by John W. Creswell enables readers to compare three approaches to research-qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods-in a single research methods text. The book presents these three approaches side by side within the context of the process of research from the beginning steps of philosophical assumptions to the writing and presenting of research. Written in a user-friendly manner, Creswell\u27s text does not rely on technical jargon. He cuts to the core of what a reader needs to know to read and design research in part by showcasing ideas in a scaffold approach so that the reader understands ideas from the simple to the complex. Key updates to the Third Edition • Presents the preliminary steps of using philosophical assumptions in the beginning of the book • Provides an expanded discussion on ethical issues • Emphasizes new Web-based technologies for literature searches • Offers updated information about mixed methods research procedures • Contains a glossary of terms • Highlights “research tips” throughout the chapters incorporating the author’s experiences over the last 35 year

An identification and assessment of Extension educational delivery systems for training of private pesticide applicators

The purpose of this study was to identify and assess educational delivery systems used by selected county Extension agriculturalists in private pesticide applicator training. The study provided information on educational delivery systems, teaching methods and instructional tools, the pesticide applicator training program, and demographic information of selected county Extension agriculturalists in a four-state area in the upper Midwest;A stratified sample consisting of one-half of the county Extension agriculturalists in Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin provided the participants in this study. A mailed survey instrument was used in data collection. Data were statistically analyzed by using means, standard deviations, analysis of variance, t-tests, frequencies, percentages, and correlations;The major conclusions of the study were that the average county Extension agriculturalist surveyed: (1) was male, in his forties, had some formal teaching experience, was about mid-career, and had a master\u27s degree; and (2) did not apply a variety of teaching-learning principles nor a variety of teaching methods and instructional tools in pesticide applicator training programs. Statistical differences among states regarding teaching methods and instructional tools may reflect the extent of training received by participants and the availability of these methods/tools. Statistical differences among states with respect to perceptions regarding pesticide applicator training and program evaluation may reflect the attitudes, leadership and organizational policy of state legislatures and state Extension administrators;State Extension administrators should: (1) encourage the use of a variety of instructional methods and teaching tools; (2) give county Extension agriculturalists the means to modify private pesticide applicator training to meet clientele needs; (3) encourage local involvement in program planning; (4) provide training in use of instructional methods/teaching tools, and in program evaluation; (5) make an education specialist a part of the state staff/administrative team; and (6) base performance reviews of Extension professionals equally on teaching (process) skills and product goals achieved

Nutrient Management Plan

Management tools to help you develop a nutrient management plan and use the Iowa Phosphorus Index.https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/extension_pubs/1111/thumbnail.jp

Management of phosphorus for crop production

This article continues a series that provides producers with information that will aid in phosphorus (P) management and in understanding environmental issues related to P management. It focuses on P management for crop production with attention to fertilization strategies, application methods, related soil management aspects, and environmental issues