AMES, Iowa  -- Iowa State University Extension and the Iowa Manure Management Action Group (IMMAG), in collaboration with the Iowa USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, have scheduled a workshop to train service providers on how to use the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2) and the Iowa Phosphorus Index for use in nutrient management and manure management plans.

The workshop will be held on June 12 at the Pappajohn Center, 1200 Grand Ave., Des Moines. The workshop starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.

This workshop will provide training to service providers who are planning to work with livestock producers in developing nutrient and manure management plans. Livestock producers are welcome to attend. 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, how to incorporate these numbers into manure management planning requirements and how to meet soil sampling requirements for manure management plans.

The cost of the workshop is $150 if registered prior to June 4, and $165 after June 4. The workshop fee includes handout materials, refreshments and lunch. Because software will be provided, participants are required to bring a MS Windows compatible laptop equipped with a CD-ROM drive and Microsoft Excel Software. Participants must have their administrator password to the computer they bring in order to install software. The workshop is limited to 30 participants.

On-line registration, program information and directions to the workshop are available at: http://www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/rusle2summer/home.html. Questions regarding the workshop should be directed to Kapil Arora at (515) 382-6551or Angie Rieck-Hinz at (515) 294-9590. 

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