State soybean association shows off water-quality tools

ANKENY — To anyone not familiar with water analysis, the contraption housed in the water laboratory on the Iowa Soybean Association’s Ankeny campus might look capable of time travel.

Where is the water poured in? Why, right behind the flux capacitor, of course.

Actually, the machine — known as an ion chromatograph — is a device which can separate and detect negatively-charged species commonly present in stream samples, such as chloride, fluoride, nitrate, and phosphate.

It was described last week by ISA Watershed Management Specialist Tony Seemans as part of the association’s “water quality open house.”

“When it’s done, do you drink the water?” asked one attendee, evoking laughter from the tour group. Seemans said he does not.

The event, which involved a short tour every half hour, displayed some of the association’s most high-tech processes, and allowed trademarked and brand-name products and services to gain visibility in sort of a trade-show format.

There were also historical and geograhical displays, along with light snacks and a reception area. Most of the association’s leadership were in attendance, along with longtime member farmers. Media, along with legislators such as Rep. Dean Fisher (R-Garwin) and Rep. Dan Kelley (D-Newton) wer also on hand.

In addition to Seemans’ description of the “Delorean” ion machine in the basement water lab, there were other impressive displays at the open house. Environmental Projects Manager Keegan Kult conducted a full-motion demonstration of a water bioreactor, showing how many elements can be captured using a wood-chip type of device. Upstairs, there were several soybean-industry issues addressed, including cover crops and weather monitoring.

The ISA had displays of some of the latest innovations and programs. One of the items on display was a Davis wireless weather station. ISA personnel at the open house described its use in an elaborate statewide strip-trial program.

While some of the gear on display could clearly and easily be shown to have immediate practical applications, farmers need to have some sort of budget for these technologies. On its website, Davis lists a Wireless Vantage Pro2 with Standard Radiation Shield — one of its higher-end wireless stations — at a list price of $650.

In the lobby of the ISA campus offices, a floor-to-ceiling wall map depicted the entire state’s watersheds. There were also pin-pointed locators for various farmers in attendance, such as Roland Schnell, the Sully-area farmer who serves on the ISA Board of Directors as its secretary.

A reception room also featured handouts, small water-related promotional gift bags and free copies of the book “Seeds of Change,” which chronicles the 50-year history of the ISA.