Virtual field day to discuss manure application, cover crop planting to maximize water quality benefits in corn

AMES — Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, will host a virtual field day Thursday, March 12, at 1 p.m.

The event, which is available at no cost, will feature a live discussion with Dan Andersen, associate professor and extension agriculture engineering specialist at Iowa State University, Raj Raman, Morrill Professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and Philip Rockson, agricultural and biosystems engineering graduate research assistant at Iowa State.

The virtual field day aims to provide valuable insights into the impacts of different cover crops systems and manure application methods on water quality and corn yield.

“We've done a fair amount of work on the timing of manure application, looking at late fall manure versus early fall manure impacts on corn yield and water quality, knowing that some people are stressed about ‘when can we get manure on in the fall,’” said Andersen.

“We saw huge timing responses, and one of the next questions was ‘How much different is it when you move manure application to spring?’”

In this innovative project, funded in part by the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, the focus is on how timing affects yield and water quality when comparing fall and spring manure applications.

Any person interested in cover crops, manure application or water quality is welcome to attend the virtual field day. Participants are also encouraged to bring any questions they would like to ask.

To participate in the live virtual field day, visit the iowalearningfarms.org or join from a dial-in phone line: 646-876-9923 or 646-931-3860, with meeting ID 914 1198 4892.

The field day will be recorded and archived on the ILF Virtual Field Day Archive for future viewing.

Participants may be eligible for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit. Information about how to apply for and receive the CEU will be provided at the end of the event.

About Iowa Learning Farms

Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable.

Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA Section 319 Grant Program, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and GROWMARK Inc.