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Spring Forage Management Considerations

April 16, 2021

Pasture and forages stands have really started to green-up. Here are some fertilizer and weed management considerations and recommendations to help make the most out of pasture and forage stands this year.  

Fertilizer considerations

Fertilization is just as important for forages as it is for row crops to maximize productivity. However, current fertilizer prices may have you seeing a lot of dollar signs.

Phosphorus, potassium, and lime considerations

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Phosphorus and Potassium Management for 2020 after a Year with Highly Variable Yields

October 1, 2019
Net returns to P or K fertilization of corn and soybean for different soil-test levels in many Iowa soils for shown prices

Very variable weather this season will result in variable corn and soybean yield within and between fields. Entire fields or portions of fields were planted later than usual or were not planted. This will result in variable removal of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) with harvest. Reduced yields combined with continued low market values create uncertainty about P and K fertilization decisions for the 2020 season.

Crops: 

2018 Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Short Course

January 26, 2018 11:46 AM
Blog Post

If you are interested in an in-depth course covering soil fertility and nutrient management, then consider attending the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 2018 Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Short Course. This is a two-day event that provides an opportunity to dig deeper into the fundaments of soil fertility, nutrient management, and relationships to profitable crop production and water quality. The course is February 20-21, 2018 in Ames, Iowa.

Course Topics Include:

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Opportunities for Better Understanding of Soils

January 25, 2017 2:39 PM
Blog Post

“History is largely a record of human struggle to wrest the land from nature, because man relies for sustenance on the products of the soil. So direct, is the relationship between soil erosion, the productivity of the land, and the prosperity of people, that the history of mankind, to a considerable degree at least, may be interpreted in terms of the soil and what has happened to it as the result of human use.” - Hugh H. Bennett and W.C. Lowdermilk, circa 1930’s

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Effects of Crop Residue Removal, Upcoming Soil Health Conference

December 15, 2016

Leaving crop residue on the soil surface improves nutrient cycling and, ultimately, soil quality that will increase and sustain soil productivity. Through conservation practices that include balanced residue management and soil fertility, environmental quality can be substantially enhanced. By retaining crop residue on the soil surface, soil organic carbon (SOC) and nutrient-holding capacity are increased while protecting the soil from wind and water erosion.

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High Yields, Low Grain Prices: Manage Phosphorus and Potassium Wisely

October 21, 2016
Phosphorus and Potassium results graph

Bumper grain yields are being harvested from most Iowa fields this fall. However, due to low crop prices producers are thinking of reducing phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer application rates. A few important management options should be considered when making decisions with unfavorable crop/fertilizer price ratios.


Crops: 

Integrated Crop Management Conference Provides Latest Research and Technologies to Benefit Your Operation

October 27, 2015

Producers and ag business professionals reminded to register early


The annual Integrated Crop Management Conference will be held Dec. 2-3, 2015 at the Scheman Building on the Iowa State University campus. This year, the conference has added additional speakers to its program, providing topics and information on the latest in crop production and technology from around Iowa and the Midwest. Online registration is available at www.aep.iastate.edu/icm.