Iowa State University Extension and the Iowa Manure Management Action Group (IMMAG), in collaboration with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service in Iowa, have scheduled a workshop to train service providers on how to use the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2) and the Iowa Phosphorus Index. These two tools are for use in nutrient management and manure management plans.

The workshop will be held on Dec. 6, 2006, at Montgomery Hall at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Iowa City, Iowa. It starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.

"This workshop will provide training to service providers who are planning to work with livestock producers in developing nutrient and manure management plans," says Angie Rieck-Hinz, program specialist in ISU's Agronomy Department.

Register before Nov. 30 to get a break

Participants will learn where to find the necessary software and how to install it on their computers. They'll also learn how to determine critical field areas, how to determine erosion rates using RUSLE2, calculate P Index vulnerability ratings, how to incorporate these numbers into manure management planning requirements and how to meet soil sampling requirements for manure management plans.

Producers are also welcome to attend the workshop. Cost of the workshop is $150 if registered prior to Nov. 30, and $165 after Nov. 30. The workshop fee includes handout materials and refreshments and lunch. Because software will be provided, participants are required to bring a MS Windows compatible laptop equipped with a CD-ROM drive and Microsoft Excel software. Participants must have their administrator password to the computer they bring in order to install software. The workshop is limited to 30 participants.

On-line registration and program information is available at: www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/rusle2/home.html. Questions regarding the workshop should be directed to Kapil Arora at (515) 382-6551, Angie Rieck-Hinz at (515) 294-9590 or Greg Brenneman at (319) 337-2145.