Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach will host two soil fertility workshops to help ag producers interpret soil test results and determine fertilizer needs and recommendations.
The first workshop will be held Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Sac County office location at 620 Park Street in Sac City. The same workshop will also be hosted the following day, Thursday, Feb. 27 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Clay County office located at 110 West Fourth Street in Spencer. Registration for both workshops will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the meeting held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A light lunch will be provided.
"Producers are looking for ways to optimize crop yields and use their fertilizer dollars wisely" said Paul Kassel, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “This workshop is designed to help farmers analyze their soil test results and determine how they can best supplement their soil’s fertility needs without breaking the bank.”
The workshops will help participants learn about soil testing procedures and applying those test results; calculating crop removal rates of phosphorus and potassium; reviewing crop yield responses to different soil test levels; and understanding return on fertilizer investments. There will also be a review of soil pH and ag lime usage, and a discussion about research on crop response to sulfur applications.
Certified Crop Advisor CEU credits will be offered. There will be two Nutrient Management credits and one Soil Water credit.
Kassel said that he will lead the workshops and be joined by Agronomist Mike Witt in Sac City.
To register for the Sac City workshop, call 712-662-7131. To register for the Spencer workshop, call 712-262-2264. Registration fee for both locations is $10 and will cover the training, resource materials and a light lunch.
Questions can be directed to Paul Kassel at 712-262-2264 or kassel@iastate.edu.