Business : Introductory Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2/Iowa Phosphorus Index class

Workshop will introduce Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2) and Iowa Phosphorus Index

A Sept. 25 workshop will provide an opportunity for producers to learn more about the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2), as well as the Iowa Phosphorus Index. The workshop is a collaborative effort between the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the United States Department of Agriculture and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and will be held in Ames.

According to Kapil Arora, field agricultural engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach, the RUSLE2 is a tool stakeholders can use to calculate soil loss for a given field and is necessary for determining the Iowa Phosphorus Index.

The morning portion of the workshop will focus on installing software programs, performing dominant critical area and predominant area determinations and operating RUSLE2. The afternoon session will include discussions on ephemeral and classical gully erosion, as well as the updated Iowa Phosphorus Index, which can be used in Iowa DNR manure management plans and open feedlot nutrient management plans.

Sessions will be taught by Arora; Dan Andersen, associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and extension agriculture engineering specialist at Iowa State; Chandra Shaw, resource conservationist, United States Department of Agriculture - Iowa NRCS; and Jeremy Klatt, environmental specialist senior, Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

This workshop qualifies for six Certified Crop Advisor Credits (five soil and water management, one nutrient management) and three Professional Development Hours. Participation certificates will be provided upon completion of the workshop.

To ensure your spot in the workshop, complete early registration by Sept. 17; the registration fee is $225. If registering after this date, late fees will apply. The workshop is limited to 30 participants and will be held at ISU's Digital Ag Innovation Lab, located at 3800 University Blvd., Ames. A Windows-compatible computer with a USB port and Microsoft Excel Software is required to participate. Lunch and refreshments are included in the registration fee, as well as workshop materials. To register, visit the registration site.

For more information, contact Kapil Arora at pbtiger@iastate.edu or visit the workshop website.