Iowa State University Extension and the Iowa Manure Management Action Group (IMMAG) have scheduled two workshops to train service providers on how to use the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2) and the Iowa Phosphorus Index.

The first workshop will be held on Feb. 22, at the Hardin County Extension office in Iowa Falls and the second workshop will be held on Feb. 23, at the Greene County Extension office in Jefferson. The workshops start at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. each day.

These workshops will provide training to service providers who are planning to work with livestock producers in developing nutrient and manure management plans. Participants will learn where to find the necessary software and how to install it on their computers, how to determine critical field areas, how to determine erosion rates using RUSLE2, calculate P Index vulnerability ratings and how to incorporate these numbers into manure management planning requirements. Producers are also welcome to attend these workshops.

The cost of the workshop is $100 if registrations are received on or before Feb. 18, and $125 after Feb. 18. The workshop fee includes handout materials and refreshments and lunch. Because software will be provided, participants are required to bring a Microsoft Windows compatible laptop equipped with a CD-ROM drive and Microsoft Excel software. Each site is limited to 25 participants.

The program brochure and registration form is available at: http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/immag/info/rusle2.pdf. Registration forms should be sent to either the Hardin County Extension Office or the Greene County Extension Office. Questions regarding these workshops should be directed to Kapil Arora at (515) 382-6551 or Angie Rieck-Hinz at (515) 294-9590.