Five field days will be held throughout the state at Iowa State University research and demonstration farms June 27-29, providing an opportunity for farmers and others to learn about nitrate loss. A tour of plots where Iowa State researchers study the effects of fall application, cover crops and nitrification inhibitors is included. The field days will also provide an opportunity to learn about factors that are used to make nitrogen fertilizer recommendations and nitrogen deficiency in corn and how to correct it.

Participants will leave the field day with a better understanding of research and the breadth of projects and practices we are evaluating, says Mark Johnson, extension field agronomist. “They will also receive a better understanding of tools that are available to them like the N Rate Calculator and how they can help farmers be more profitable while minimizing impact on water quality,” he says.

Each field day will provide the same format and program, with ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomists and agricultural engineering specialists providing instruction. Registration at the research farm meeting room begins at 9:15 on the day of the event, with the program beginning at 9:45. The program concludes at 12:15 p.m. with lunch.

The format provides for four 30-minute sessions during the field day, discussing how a water quality research site works, what practices are being studied, how effective the various management practices are in reducing nitrogen loss, and the impact of those practices on farm profitability.

“The purpose of these field days is for farmers and their consultants to learn the research related to profitable nitrogen management and water quality,” says Jamie Benning, water quality program manager with ISU Extension and Outreach. “The field days will also allow participants to visit the sites where research is occurring relating to nitrogen management and water quality.”

Dates and locations of the field days are:

There is a $25 registration fee which includes lunch, refreshments and course materials. Attendees are asked to pre-register to assist with facility and meal planning. For additional information and to register online visit www.aep.iastate.edu/nitrogen.