The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will provide funding for the next phase of a project that seeks to increase the number of acres in corn production that use cover crops. According to a news release, the state agriculture department is partnering with the Iowa Seed Association and its members in the project. The use of cover crops has become a proven practice in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy that helps conserve soil and protect water quality. The next phase of the project costs $226,750 and will incorporate edge of field practice outreach to the state’s corn producers and installation of projects. More than 30,000 acres are enrolled in the program this year, and about one-third of Iowa corn acres are using cover crops.