AG Web (from The Associated Press, May 23) -- The flow of nitrates from farm fertilizer and treated wastewater into the Illinois River that contributes to a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico has fallen, a new study from the U. of I. says. "The varieties (of corn) that are planted these days and in the last few years are more robust in a lot of different ways," co-author and agricultural engineering professor Greg McIsaac said, calling the reductions a "promising sign."