Iowa could experience one of its wettest Septembers on record as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a greater than 90% chance the current El Niño will become very strong this fall and winter. Wetter conditions and a strong El Niño could affect soil temperatures, timing of nutrient applications and nutrient cycling. To help farmers protect their nutrients and make informed management decisions, Iowa Farm Bureau will host Preparing for Super El Niño: Protecting Water and Your Nutrient Investment on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m.Central time.

El Niño occurs when waters in the equatorial Pacific become warmer than average, shifting weather patterns that can influence conditions in other regions. The webinar will explore what this could mean for Iowa soil temperatures, nutrient availability and soil conditions. Experts will also share strategies farmers can use to reduce nutrient loss and protect their investment, including nitrogen soil testing, Iowa State University’s N-FACT to help guide fertilizer decisions, along with practical manure management strategies and nutrient retention practices such as nitrification inhibitors, timing of fertilizer application and cover crops.

Featured speakers include Dr. Justin Glisan, state climatologist of Iowa; Dr. Mike Castellano, Iowa State University professor of agronomy and Iowa Nitrogen Initiative lead; and Dr. Dan Andersen, Iowa State University associate professor of biosystems engineering and Extension manure specialist.

“Farmers want to make responsible nutrient management decisions that are good for their crops and the environment,” said Shawn Richmond, Iowa Farm Bureau environmental policy adviser. “This webinar will offer practical strategies to help farmers protect their nutrient investment, keep valuable nutrients in their fields and reduce the potential for nutrient loss—decisions that benefit both their bottom line and the environment.”

To register, visit iowafarmbureau.com/events.