By Andi Anderson
Farmers, crop advisers, and agricultural professionals will have an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of soil conservation and nutrient management through a specialized workshop scheduled for December 17 in Ames, Iowa. The educational event is being organized through a partnership involving Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the United States Department of Agriculture.
The workshop will focus on two important tools used in agricultural conservation planning: the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2) and the Iowa Phosphorus Index. These tools help producers better understand soil erosion risks and nutrient management practices, supporting improved environmental stewardship and farm sustainability.
According to Kapil Arora, Field Agricultural Engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach, RUSLE2 is an important resource for estimating soil loss in specific fields. The information generated through this tool also plays a key role in determining values for the Iowa Phosphorus Index, which helps evaluate the risk of phosphorus movement from farmland into water resources.
The morning portion of the workshop will provide hands-on instruction in installing and operating the required software programs. Participants will learn how to perform dominant critical area and predominant area determinations while gaining practical experience using the RUSLE2 system.
The afternoon session will shift focus toward advanced conservation topics. Participants will explore ephemeral and classical gully erosion, along with updates to the Iowa Phosphorus Index. Organizers will explain how the updated index can be applied in Iowa Department of Natural Resources manure management plans and open feedlot nutrient management plans.
The training will be led by a team of experienced professionals from multiple organizations. Instructors include Kapil Arora, Field Agricultural Engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach; Dan Andersen, Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and Extension Agriculture Engineering Specialist at Iowa State University; Chandra Shaw, Resource Conservationist with the United States Department of Agriculture Iowa NRCS; and Jeremy Klatt, Environmental Specialist Senior with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
The workshop also offers professional development opportunities. Participants can earn six Certified Crop Adviser credits, including five credits in soil and water management and one credit in nutrient management. In addition, attendees will receive three Professional Development Hours and a certificate of participation upon successful completion of the program.
Registration is required, and interested individuals are encouraged to register before December 11 to avoid late fees. Attendance is limited to 30 participants to ensure quality instruction and hands-on learning opportunities. The event will be held at Iowa State University’s Digital Ag Innovation Lab in Ames.
Participants must bring a Windows-compatible computer equipped with a USB port and Microsoft Excel software. Registration includes workshop materials, lunch, and refreshments.
By providing practical training on soil erosion assessment and nutrient management planning, the workshop aims to help agricultural professionals make informed decisions that improve soil health, protect natural resources, and support long-term farm productivity.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fertnig
Categories: Iowa, Sustainable Agriculture