Workshop will train service providers and livestock producers on how to use RUSLE2 and Iowa Phosphorus Index
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in collaboration with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, has scheduled a workshop to train livestock producers and service providers on how to use the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 and the Iowa Phosphorus Index in nutrient management and manure management plans. RUSLE2 software calculates soil loss for a given field, which is needed for figuring out the Iowa Phosphorus Index.
A RUSLE2 workshop will be held June 7 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Polk County office in Altoona. The workshop runs from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The introductory level workshop provides hands-on software orientation, including an introduction to the operating parameters, selection of input values, and developing and saving management operations for RUSLE2. Additionally, real field examples will be used in the workshop to determine risk calculations of the Iowa Phosphorus Index and how to incorporate these numbers into manure and nutrient management planning requirements. Manure management planning, soil sampling requirements, common errors and the DNR’s review process also will be discussed.
The workshop will be taught by Don Corrington and Barb Stewart, U.S. Department of Agriculture-NRCS; Kapil Arora and Dan Andersen, agriculture and biosystems engineering specialists with ISU Extension and Outreach; and Jeremy Klatt, Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
“Nutrient and manure management plans require updated RULSE2 and P-Index calculations every four years, and this workshop will be a great refresher for those producers who develop their own plans or for consultants who are new to this planning process,” said Arora.
Cost of the workshop is $200 if registered by June 1, and $225 after that date. The workshop fee includes handout materials, RUSLE2 software, refreshments and lunch. Because software will be provided, participants are required to bring an MS Windows compatible laptop equipped with a USB drive and Microsoft Excel software, as well as the administrator password to the computer in order to install software. The workshop is limited to 30 participants and walk-in attendees are not allowed. Certified Crop Advisor Credits (5SW, 1 NM) are available for this workshop.
The agenda, registration instructions, location directions and additional workshop details are available on the RUSLE2 Workshop website. Participants interested in attending the workshop can register online.
