Farmers and crop consultants can learn how to improve both farm profits and water quality at a series of upcoming field days hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The field days are part of ISU Extension and Outreach’s Nitrogen and Water Week June 27-29.

“The purpose of these field days is for farmers and their consultants to learn the research related to profitable nitrogen management and water quality,” says Jamie Benning, water quality program manager with ISU Extension and Outreach. “The field days will also allow participants to visit the sites where research is occurring relating to nitrogen management and water quality.”

Impact of N management practices
Five field days will be held throughout the state at Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms, providing an opportunity to learn about the university’s research facilities that evaluate nitrate loss. A tour of plots where Iowa State researchers study the effects of fall application, cover crops and nitrification inhibitors is included in the event. The field day will also provide an opportunity to learn about factors that are used to make nitrogen fertilizer recommendations and nitrogen deficiency in corn and how to correct it.

“Participants will leave the field day with a better understanding of research and the breadth of projects and practices we are evaluating,” says Mark Johnson, Extension field agronomist. “They will also receive a better understanding of tools that are available to them like the N Rate Calculator and how they can help farmers be more profitable while minimizing impact on water quality.”

How various practices affect profitability
Each field day will provide the same format and program, with ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomists and agricultural engineering specialists providing instruction. Registration at the research farm meeting room begins at 9:15 a.m. on the day of the event, with the program beginning at 9:45 a.m. The program concludes at 12:15 p.m., with lunch following.

“The format provides for four 30-minute sessions during the field day, discussing how a water quality research site works, what practices are being studied, how effective the various management practices are in reducing nitrogen loss, and the impact of those practices on farm profitability,” says Paul Kassel, Extension field agronomist.

Nitrogen and Water Week field days:
• June 27 – Armstrong Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm, 53020 Hitchcock Ave., Lewis
• June 27 – Ag Engineering and Agronomy Research Farm, 1308 U Ave, Boone
• June 28 – Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm, 3321 290th St., Nashua
• June 29 – Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm, 6320 500th St., Sutherland
• June 29 – Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm, 3115 Louisa-Washington Road, Crawfordsville

Registration for the program is $25, which includes lunch, refreshments, and course materials and publications. Attendees are asked to preregister to assist with facility and meal planning. Visit ISU Extension for additional information or to register.

Source: Iowa State University