Manure Manager

Features Business/Policy Federal Regulations United States
RUSLE2 workshop in IA


November 25, 2014  by  Marg Land

November 25. 2014, Ames IA – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is holding a RUSLE2 and Iowa Phosphorus Index workshop December 18 at the Polk County office in Altoona, IA.

The morning session of the workshop will focus on RUSLE2 including installing software programs, database management, performing dominant critical area determinations, and operating RUSLE2 with example. The afternoon session will include discussions on ephemeral erosion, gully erosion, Iowa Phosphorus Index, and its use in Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Manure Management Plans. USE of RUSLE2 and Iowa Phosphorus Index in DNR, EPA, and NRCS plans will be discussed. Common errors in RUSLE2 and Iowa Phosphorus Index will also be discussed.

This workshop is designed for agronomists, engineers, consultants, regulators, educators and others who are involved in developing plans for IDNR and/or NRCS.

The workshop will focus on understanding of the operating parameters for RUSLE2, selection of input values for RUSLE2, developing and saving management operations for RUSLE2. The workshop will educate participants on the use of Plan, Worksheet, and Profile Layouts of the NRCS Simple Template in RUSLE2.

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Those attending will learn about:

  • Using RUSLE2 in conservation planning and resource management
  • Impact of land cover and conservation practices on soil erosion
  • Managing land resource for minimal water quality impact
  • Implementation of Iowa Phosphorus Index for nutrient planning

The workshop size is limited to 30 participants and registration is open on a first come first basis. It also qualifies for six Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credits (5SW, 1NM) and three Professional Development Hours (PDH). Participation certificates will be provided upon completion of the workshop.

Each registrant must bring a Microsoft Windows compatible laptop computer equipped with a CD-ROM drive and Microsoft Excel Software. The majority of work done during the workshop will require the use of Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2) and Iowa Phosphorus Index Calculator. These programs and associated information will be provided on a CD.

Registrants must have administrative password for the laptop they bring to the workshop to be able to install software.

The workshop is a collaborative effort between United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Iowa Manure Management Action Group, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

The workshop will be taught by Barb Stewart, USDA – NRCS, Kapil Arora and Angela Rieck-Hinz, ISU Extension and Outreach and Jeremy Klatt, Iowa DNR.

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