The Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here tour highlights the importance of smart fertilizer management decisions this fall. Brought to you by 4R Plus and the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance.
DES MOINES, Iowa – The Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here tour reported live from the WHO studio today to share important messages regarding fall nitrogen (N) management. Dr. Michael Castellano, Professor of Agronomy and William T. Frankenberger, Professor of Soil Science at Iowa State University, spoke about research his lab has done over the last 30 years concerning nitrogen following a drought. Based on prior years soil nitrate levels and precipitation, research shows there is currently higher-than-normal N levels in Iowa soils due to the ongoing drought.
“Based on Iowa State University research, we know that during a drought year, the soil retains more nitrogen for a number of reasons,” said Castellano. “Not only does the crop utilize less nitrogen, but there is also a major reduction in the amount of nitrogen lost to leaching and denitrification.”
“As a result, we encourage farmers to have their soil tested before making fall application decisions that not only impact the environment, but also their profitability,” he adds.
Shawn Richmond, Environmental Services Director at the Agribusiness Association of Iowa, encouraged farmers to work with their ag retail partners to consider soil testing for N, reduce rates of fall fertilizer application and consider split rate of spring applications instead.
“Fertility decisions are always important, but especially so following drought conditions. Taking steps this fall like soil tests for nitrates to inform fertility decisions can help with meeting goals for next year’s crop needs,” said Richmond.
Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig also joined the show to stress the importance of fertilizer management in a drought year. In addition to making smart nutrient management decisions, he encouraged Iowa farmers to utilize cover crop cost share programs.
“Cover crops can help scavenge and hold onto excess nitrogen in the soil so it’s available for the following crop instead of being lost through runoff or leaching,” said Paige Frautschy, Iowa Agriculture Program Director at The Nature Conservancy. “Farmers and their advisors can learn more about conservation practices, like cover crops, that can make their operations more efficient and resilient by visiting 4RPlus.org.
In addition to the important water quality and conservation implications of fall N decisions this year, high fertilizer prices make a compelling economic case as well. “Increasing nutrient use efficiency through improved fertilizer management is a smart thing for farmers to do every year, but in drought years like 2021, it’s imperative,” says Sean McMahon, Executive Director of the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance. “Farmers have a great opportunity this year to save money by reducing fall fertilizer applications considering the already higher than normal nitrogen levels in our soils due to the ongoing drought. That’s a win-win for farmers’ profitability and improving our water quality.”
About the Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here Campaign
The campaign, created by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Soybean Association and NEWSRADIO 1040 WHO, aims to raise awareness about the conservation work underway across Iowa. It also highlights opportunities for both rural and urban residents to use soil health and water quality best practices and play an active role in conservation projects happening in their communities.
During the Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here campaign, The Big Show will visit locations throughout the state, showcasing the people and practices that are having a positive and measurable impact on water quality. The conversations with farmers, landowners, agribusinesses and community leaders will be broadcast on Wednesdays during The Big Show airing from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on WHO and 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on WMT.
The Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here campaign is a collaborative effort between a dozen public and private partners, including Agri-Drain, Hagie Manufacturing, Hands on Excavating, Heartland Co-op, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Montag Manufacturing, Practical Farmers of Iowa, The Nature Conservancy and TruTerra.
The Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here campaign began in August 2020 and highlighted 16 conservation projects throughout the harvest season. For more information about the campaign, upcoming stops, and rural and urban soil health and water quality practices, visit www.cleanwateriowa.org/cleanwaterstartshere. For assistance implementing conservation practices or to get involved in a community-based project, visit a nearby USDA Service Center or Soil and Water Conservation District office.
###
4R Plus is a nutrient management and conservation program to make farmers aware of practices that bolster production, build soil health and improve water quality in Iowa. The program is guided by a coalition of more than 50 organizations, including agribusinesses, conservation organizations, commodity and trade associations, government agencies and academic institutions. To learn more, visit www.4RPlus.org.
4R Plus involves using precise 4R nutrient stewardship along with conservation practices to achieve a more productive crop now and in the future while protecting Iowa’s natural resources.
Contacts
Paige Frautschy, 319-573-8737
pfrautschy@TNC.ORG
Julianne Johnston, 319-233-0502
jjohnston@morganmyers.com