Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
1/30/01
Contacts:
John Creswell, Nutrient Management Education Project, (515)
727-0656, creswell@iastate.edu
Elaine Edwards, Continuing Education and Communication
Services, (515) 294-5168, eedwards@iastate.edu
Voluntary Nitrogen Program Succeeds
AMES, Iowa -- A coalition of fertilizer dealers, farmers, government agencies, educational institutions and the Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI) banded together last fall to change the way nitrogen is applied to farm fields.
The guidelines -- AAI's Fall Application of Anhydrous Ammonia Policy -- were designed to alleviate concerns about fall nitrogen application. The coalition discouraged nitrogen application before soil temperatures dropped below 50 degrees F, reducing potential losses to the environment, and surface waters.
"AAI is dedicated to a proactive, profitable, and environmentally sensitive agribusiness industry," said Ed Beaman, AAI president and CEO. "And the evidence shows that our members embraced the policy."
Chris Murray, AAI vice president, says that the new program was a success. "This first attempt at establishing an industry-led policy for voluntary nitrogen management has received good reviews from the public, regulators, dealers and producers. We need to make adjustments, but the policy did have the desired impact."
Modifications to a Boone County farmer's anhydrous ammonia applicator allow him to apply nitrogen at lower temperatures. "Waiting until the soil is 50 degrees F doesn't stop me from getting the job done, and I don't risk losing nitrogen by applying it too early," said Dave Pepper.
George Cummins, ISU Extension crops field specialist, thinks dealers are on the right track. "Dealers welcomed the guidelines. Many said that their businesses were following these recommendations as company policy voluntarily. But some still have concerns going into this spring -- availability, time constraints and costs -- particularly if we have a late spring or wet conditions."
Crestland Cooperative agronomist Tracy Cameron feels the policy is both economically and environmentally positive. "Our dealership encouraged and practiced good nitrogen application guidelines for 25 years. We welcomed AAI's effort and were very pleased with the compliance of dealers and growers."
Regulators are pleased as well. Lyle Asell, interim director, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, says the level of compliance shows that the system works. "We have the science and a good information system. Using these tools to improve nitrogen management is a test of agriculture's voluntary approach to nitrogen management."
For a copy of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa's Fall Anhydrous Ammonia Application Policy, contact Chris Murray at (515) 262-8323.
ml: isufarm
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