Charlie Baier, Iowa State University for week of April 21, 2008
Howard County Extension Director
When to prune back clematis vines.
Some Clematis varieties bloom in June or July on the current season’s growth. Others bloom on the previous year’s growth (old wood). The third group blooms on both old and new wood. Despite these differences in flowering characteristics, pruning practices for the clematis types are basically the same in Iowa. Wait until new growth begins in early spring and then prune out the dead wood. Cut back the vines to the highest point where new growth is emerging.
Rhubarb
The ideal site for rhubarb is in full sun with a well-drained, fertile soil. Incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure on less than ideal sites. Rhubarb should be planted in spring, as soon as the soil is workable. The buds should be planted 2-3 inches below the soil surface. Do not fertilize at planting, but work in organic matter with existing soil. Do not harvest for the first year or two. By the third year, you can harvest stalks for about a month by pulling stalks up and sideways when they are 10-15 inches long. The leaves contain a moderate poison, and should not be fed to livestock. It is a good idea to side-dress plants with 10-10-10 fertilizer in spring, before growth starts. For more about rhubarb, ask at our Office for PM-719 Rhubarb in the Home Garden.
Mitigating Air Emissions from Animal Feeding Operations
May 19-21, 2008 - Des Moines, Iowa
As the interest in mitigating air emission from animal feeding operations increases, practical mitigation options need to be readily available to producers. This conference, hosted by Iowa State University, is designed to provide practical information related to mitigation of air emissions for technical service providers, extension personnel, industry consultants, and facility owners and operators. In addition to the opening general session, that includes discussion of regulatory trends and the state of the science in both the US and Europe, 60 technical papers are scheduled to be presented relating to prevention, capture, treatment, masking, and dispersal of air emissions.
Each presented mitigation strategy/technology will be represented by a fact sheet that includes a technology description, details of the mitigation mechanism, applicability limitations, costs, and implementation details. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to discuss specific equipment and technology applications with industry suppliers and service providers during conference breaks and receptions. Registration for conference attendees is $125. For registration and hotel details, see the conference website at: http://www.abe.iastate.edu/wastemgmt/mitigation.html
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4/18/2008