With more than 40 speakers, there was a lot of information to take in. Give-and-take needed to partner on 4R Plus practices. He continually looks for. Since launching in February, we have remained focused on the goal of spreading the 4R Plus message. He farms with his parents and sister in Washington County, which was hammered with rain early in the season. These materials provide an overview of 4R Plus, including the importance of nutrient stewardship and conservation practices to help Iowa reach its nutrient reduction strategy goals. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309; Phone: (515) 244-5044Farmers who spoke with the Manitoba Co-operator said most are already using 4R principles to some degree, even if not formally recognized. With goals to stop erosion, build organic matter and improve soil structure, he switched to a system. These are made to kill pests, diseases, and weeds but can be. Matt and Nancy Bormann of Kossuth County in northern Iowa have developed a system that improves efficiencies on their farm while investing in their soil, which gives them more time to manage their family’s busy schedule. There are 4R Plus practices that can be implemented on virtually any farm regardless of topography. These practices help your soil remain productive, even under variable weather conditions. 4R Plus. The 4Rs focus on nutrient application, which is an excellent place to start, because getting applied nutrients recovered by crops is fundamental to. Nieuwenhuis has seen organic matter increase dramatically after switching to one-pass vertical tillage. Rains were still 6 to 9 inches behind. Saturated fields are a frustration to farmers that want to complete this. Developing and managing environmental programs that help Iowa reach the goals set by the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS) are top priorities of Shawn Richmond, environmental services director at the Agribusiness. Base Plus +G4 . 4R is a sustainable farming practice that focuses on producing food in a way that is both environmentally friendly and economically viable. Improving soil health brings results. He custom sprays some conventional fields and said when he walks into some of those fields it “feels like there’s no footing to the soil. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309; Phone: (515) 244-5044. in Room 311. He could have started planting corn and soybeans sooner than he did, but he decided to take advantage of a favorable weather forecast to. 4R Plus Practices Make ‘Dollars and Sense’ to Southeastern Iowa Family. Jones County, Iowa, farmer Darin Stolte is passionate about nutrient stewardship. September is the start of the cover cropping season in Iowa, and more and more farmers are looking to improve weed control, access cattle feed and improve their soil health by using this 4R Plus practice. Awareness of 4R has been steadily increasing among farmers and their crop advisors over the past decade. ” After just two years of using strip till and cover crops, Stolte is a firm believer in an integrated 4R Plus approach. Farmers with vastly different topography benefit from no-till and nutrient management practices. The purpose of this study is to examine the economic and environmental nitrogen (N) leaching reduction from 4R (Right Rate, Right Source, Right Time, Right Placement) agricultural. January 23, 2019. In the interview, Bormann said when they began reducing tillage, their goal was to save some money and time. Regarding soil health, Russell says there’s a Plus Side to his 4R Plus system. A year after launching, the 4R Plus program continues to add to the resources available to Iowa farmers and agriculture professionals. Farmers from varied landscapes are being followed by 4R Plus through the 2020 growing season to learn how practices are used and the agronomic and economic benefits seen. The goal is to achieve a more productive crop now and in the future. After years of adding 4R Plus practices to improve soil structure, he’s more confident about pushing the front end of the planting window. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. Research conducted by American Farmland Trust reveals NOLs overwhelmingly view their farmer-operator as an important source of information about practices that improve soil health and protect natural resources. (2013) discovered that 4R nutrient management practices could reduce 40% of nitrate emission. Julius Schaaf, a fifth-generation farmer in Fremont County, was impressed by how well the 2021 corn and soybean crops performed given exceptional dryness early in the growing season that had him wondering if he’d be able to fill grain contracts. “The 4R Plus approach takes the 4R effort a step further with the use of conservation and soil health practices. However, the framework of 4RNS (which embeds the 4Rs in a cropping system and landscape that supports the. GLP ensures the quality and integrity of safety test data submitted to the government for the issuance of research. No-till stops erosion on sloping ground. On Oct. “Saskatchewan is a champion of 4R Nutrient Stewardship, and each year more of our producers are strengthening their operations and our agriculture industry by adopting. During an average year, denitrification occurs at a rate of about 30 pounds per acre. Wendong Zhang’s research seeks to better understand the farmland market, agricultural nutrient runoff and conservation practice adoption. It's easy to spot a close beyond a moving average, so there's no room for overthinking or interpretation. Michael Vittetoe is feeling fortunate as a result of his experiences terminating rye cover crops. The Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll shows from 2015 to 2017, more farmers adopted 4R Plus practices like no-till and nitrogen stabilizers. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309; Phone: (515) 244-5044. Harder said he has about a third of his fields soil-sampled. These practices are catching on across the Iowa. A variety of 4R Plus practices are used on Iowa's landscape to enhance soil health, improve water quality and achieve a more productive crop now and in. “I’ve seen first-hand the soil health benefits that come with cover crops, but unfortunately,. Whether it’s for economic benefit or to lessen any environmental impact from fertilizer use, retailers make the 4R business case for. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309; Phone: (515) 244. After the quiz, talk to your ag service provider or crop advisor about your personalized recommendations and discover what 4R practices might work best for your. By: 4R Plus November 2019. 4R Plus Practices Improve Farmer’s Profitability. “Some had been multi-cropping for a couple years, and some were rookies,” he explained. He says using 4R Plus practices like cover crops, no-till, prairie strips and terraces can help with erosion, but he cautions not all of them help to the same degree. He and his wife Darla farm commercial and seed corn and soybeans and are focused on using 4R Plus practices, like waterways, no-till and cover crops, to protect their valuable investment so future generations can make a living on the land. March 2020. Close Beyond a Moving Average. Gross farm sales had a significant positive effect in almost all the 4R plus practices models. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) awarded five farmer and retailer pairs as the 4R Advocates during an awards ceremony in Orlando, Fla. Importance of the “Plus” conservation practices 4R nutrient management and loss reduction are more important than ever. Encouraging 4R Plus Practices on Rented Farmland. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309; Phone: (515) 244-5044. The goal of the report is to provide insight on how farmers in our program have successfully implemented conservation practice on their farms. Variable weather is one of the reasons he uses 4R. The 11 plus EMPOWR™ Tibial Baseplate has the A/P and M/L profile of one size larger Tibial Baseplate TIBIAL INSERTS The Tibial Insert thicknesses are stated by the total tibial construct height (Baseplate + Insert), measured at the thinnest point of the tibial insert EMPOWR Knee System® Tibial Baseplates are 4mm thick 4R Plus is a nutrient management and conservation education effort to equip farmers and their advisers with resources and information to protect and enhance soils, Wandrey says. Use adjustable, flow-reduction structures placed in the drainage system. "One thing tenants can do to improve their stature with landlords is to talk about the practices they would implement to preserve the soil and build. Use adjustable, flow-reduction structures placed in the drainage system. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. The gentle rolling hills of Dubuque County are the perfect setting for Tim Daly’s corn, soybean and cattle operation. “Nitrogen has never been free or cheap. Right time and in the. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. Similarly, 48% believed the practices had. He incorporated the 4Rs. 4R Plus practices will help safeguard and improve the health of Iowa soil and water for generations to come. Strip tillage is saving money. Iowa farmers’ adoption of conservation practices varied among cropping districts, which controlled for variance in practice utility due to landscape variability. Examples of the practices include: - Cover crops - No-till - Strip-till - Grass waterwaysIndividual- and county-level factors associated with farmers’ use of 4R Plus nutrient management practices. The Kenney family farms in Story County. There’s no one-size-fits-all. Category Blog Cost Share Cover Crops Edge-of-Field Practice Hidden Nutrient Management Profits Regional Farmer Rented Land Results Soil Health Tillage Uncategorized Water Quality4R Consistent Practices for Canadian Cropping Systems Purpose The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program is being implemented by the Canadian fertilizer industry to ensure that fertilizers and other nutrient sources are managed sustainably. Contact 4R Plus. In many cases, that future is already underway. D. The 4R Plus approach to agricultural nutrient management—ensuring that the “right source” of nutrients is used at the “right rate,” “right time,” in the “right place,” and combined with appropriate in-field and edge-of-field practices—is posited to lead to win-win outcomes for farmers and the environment. Here are our top 10 takeaways: Technology Crop sensor technology is good and getting better all the time but human scouting and “ground truthing” is still critical. Soil erosion in Iowa is occurring about 10 times faster than soil is being renewed, says Rick Cruse, Ph. 4R Plus, an organization that promotes using precise 4R nutrient stewardship along with conservation practices to improve productivity on Iowa’s farms while protecting our natural resources, has launched a social media campaign named “On The Plus Side” to showcase the benefits of adding in-field and edge-of-field practices. We can do better with more accurate 4R practices. A year after launching, the 4R Plus program continues to add to the resources available to Iowa farmers and agriculture professionals. 4R Plus systems may include:What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. 4R Plus website This website also has a blog featuring Iowa farmers and members from ACWA as guest authors. Cost Share Options. In this 2-year study, we investigated the influence of different nitrogen (N) rates [N-free fertilizer (0 N) or N-free fertilizer plus 7 (0. Contact 4R Plus. Rick Cruse, Ph. 1545-0074. mac1usa, Feb 14, 2022 #8. However, there were some themes that emerged. There are numerous practices farmers can use within fields, as well as edge-of-field practices, to make sure soil and water are protected now and in the future. The impact of 4R Plus practices varies depending on the practice and what you're measuring. Harvest 2020: 4R Plus Practices Lead to Efficiencies Two and a half weeks start to finish was a quick harvest season for Kossuth County farmers Matt and Nancy Bormann. 4R Plus combines the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship – applying the right source of fertilizer at the right rate and right time and in the right place – with the “Plus” conservation practices like cover crops, no-till and edge of field practices like saturated. Before you dismiss anything written as just another article about conservation farming and cover crops, I really want you to look at this with an open mind. By implementing 4R nutrient stewardship practices, you optimize the nutrients you apply to maximize plant uptake and minimize field losses. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program encourages agricultural retailers and independent crop consultants (nutrient service providers or NSPs) to adopt proven best. We need nutrient management plus conservation practices to meet Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy nontarget goals, which aim to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loading into Iowa waters by 41 and 29 percent, respectively. Having a balance between soil health and 4R practices will be a key partIn this trial, 65 youth were randomized to receive HOP-C plus treatment as usual or transitional case management plus treatment as usual. In addition, the study of Roberts and Johnston (2015) found out that 4R nutrient management practices can reduce PO 4 3− emission by 80%. A little more than half a pound of nitrogen is removed in each bushel of corn harvested. They put the additional time saved with the quick harvest to good use this fall to plant cover crops, get their strips tilled and even improve a waterway. 30, starting at 11:15 a. There are state, federal and other financial assistance programs available for implementing 4R Plus nutrient stewardship, agronomic and conservation practices, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program, the Conservation Reserve Program through USDA NRCS, the. Learn more. Conclusion: The PACC provides consensus guidance on best practices of trialing for IDDS implants. A large portion of the additional 5-million-pound reduction in nitrogen loads can be achieved with implementation of 4R nutrient stewardship practices. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. “When we are scouting fields, we have observed that where we terminated cover crops. The crop caught a nice 2-inch rain in August that was “probably a lifesaver,” he said. More than half of Iowa’s farmland is owned by non-operating landowners (NOLs). 4R Plus practices will help safeguard and improve the health of Iowa soil and water for generations to come. "When considering a 4R Plus practice, keep the long-term benefits in mind. Nancy, a Certified Crop Adviser, urges farmers to take the first step or expand adoption of specific 4R Plus practices like cover crops, strip-till or nitrogen inhibitors. Like many Iowa farmers curious about the soil health movement, Jasper County’s Kyle Schnell and Fayette County’s Loran Steinlage have adopted 4R Plus practices and are enjoying financial rewards for their efforts. 4R and Conservation Practices Based on All Iowa Landscapes. DLE. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses;. The 4R Plus approach to agricultural nutrient management—ensuring that the “right source” of nutrients is used at the “right rate,” “right time,” in the “right place,” and combined with appropriate in-field and edge-of-field practices—is posited to lead to win-win outcomes for farmers and the environment. Unfortunately, a high soil moisture profile this fall has him concerned about 2020. What is 4R Nutrient Stewardship? Fertilizer is an important input for farmers providing nutrients to plants that are not readily available in the soil, helping farmers to foster plant growth and increase yields. But then the spigot turned off and temperatures soared during the grain fill period. All test questions are based on the 2023 National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP®), which is the written test that most states use. Soybeans were also doing well, with harvest. Learn more about the "Plus Side" of conservation practices that result in healthier soil that is more productive. First name and middle initial. The panels will take place at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa, on Tuesday, Jan. Plus, strip tillage rates have been cut to 75 percent of broadcast rates, an approximate $12 per acre savings. The. Over the last 10 years they changed tillage practices and now farm using a variety of no-till, strip-till and vertical-till to keep the soil as undisturbed as possible. Intronis provides partners with a free 14 day trial to store as much or as little data as they would like. 4R Plus Practices Used. These practices help your soil remain productive, SOIL ORGANIC MATTER soil health Soil health is the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital 16th Feb 2018 4R Consistent,4R Events,4R Partners,4R Practices,4R's in the Media,Implement the 4Rs, A group of agricultural and conservation stakeholders announced the launch of 4R Plus, a nutrient management and conservation program that equips Iowa farmers with the tools and resources to protect and enhance Iowa soils. Launched by a grant from CF Industries, 4R Plus is being guided by a coalition of agricultural and conservation organizations as a part of the Iowa 4R Plus program to support farmers’ efforts to implement precise nutrient management and conservation practices that boost soil health, crop productivity, and profitability. The 4R Certification program was first brought to Canada through the implementation of the program in Ontario in close collaboration with the Nutrient Stewardship Council, the Ohio Agri-Business Association and The Fertilizer Institute in the U. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. ” “And it’s all about getting farmers involved in telling the story of 4R […]Implementing 4R Plus methods will safeguard and improve the health of Iowa soil and water. “That’s simply based on economics,” said Clayton Harder, who farms north and east of Winnipeg. Managing plant nutrition according to principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship includes accountability for all three dimensions of sustainability. Purpose. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des. On the mostly flat landscape, the fifth-generation farmer now grows corn, soybeans, hay, rye and oats. 8 million pounds per year. The animal can digest roughage, corn, wet distillers’ grain and more. TRIALLING definition: 1. Reduce drainage intensity with wider-spaced tile. The simple 4R ideas will gain most farms added yield. 4R Plus Practices Used One-pass vertical tillage to work the ground 2 inches deep and leave 99% of residue on top Installed grass waterways and filter strips One-pass, low-volume urea application in the spring with nitrogen stabilizers and impregnated with pre-emerge. June 28, 2022, 10:50 am | J. Both ultimately impacted his yields, but he believes 4R Plus practices helped limit the yield losses from these extreme weather. Contact 4R Plus. 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Contact 4R Plus. Industry is working toward development of balanced sets of indicators of economic, social, and environmental performance. , an. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309; Phone: (515) 244-5044. For more information on soil health. A study of Iowa farmers’ use of 4R Plus nutrient management practices offers insights into social, economic, and ecological influences on adoption that operate at both an individual level and. Darin Stolte from Jones County, Iowa, is a 2016 4R Grower Advocate winner. 4R Nutrient Stewardship is based on four key principles:4R Plus practices help reach the goals set out by the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, says Shawn Richmond, director of environmental technology, Agribusine. Multi-cropping is more than one crop harvested on the same field in the same year. “When we get a heavy rain, it soaks in, and when it’s dry, the soil holds the moisture better,” he said. “We have a grid soil sampling program we follow and variable-rate apply the fertilizer where it’s needed,” she said. The “Plus” in 4R Plus refers to a suite of in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices that increase soil resiliency and help to keep nutrients on fields and out of adjacent water bodies. If the recommended practices for each category are not used, it should be viewed as a risk based decision in consultation with the CFT and documented as such, identifying the associated. "Cover crops complement the cow-calf operation; we have witnessed improvement in the soil’s water-holding capacity and utilize cover crops as a feed source. 4R Plus website This website also has a blog featuring Iowa farmers and members from ACWA as guest authors. My goal was to add these practices and maintain an upward yield curve, and the pace of yield improvement actually climbed the first year. Planting into head-high cover crops wasn’t the plan, but making adjustments to improve soil health and the overall productivity of the farm is business as usual for Tama County farmer Adam Nechanicky. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place ®) lets the world know when food has been sustainably grown. ) 4R Plus looks at the whole system. By answering a few questions, we can help you determine what 4R practices you might already be using, and how you can get started advancing your fertilizer strategy. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. The 4R Plus approach to agricultural nutrient management—ensuring that the “right source” of nutrients is used at the “right rate,” “right time,” in the “right place,” and combined with appropriate in-field and edge-of-field practices—is posited to lead to win-win outcomes for farmers and the environment. For more information on soil health. We want to demonstrate this to the world, by getting Canadian agri. After years of adding 4R Plus practices to improve soil structure, he’s more confident about pushing the front end of the planting window. Plant cover crops to take up water and nutrients from the soil. The Soil Health Institute has endorsed a number of soil health measurements. By: 4R Plus February 2019. About 25% of the ground is highly erodible, but the rest is mostly flat. Most ground is no-till, with a minimum of conservation tillage used; Contour farming is used on rolling ground; Plants cover crops and has ground in the WRP and CRP; Buffer strips, drainage ditches and grassed waterways; Tests soil in two-and-a-half-acre grids in the fall to determine nutrient plan for crop removal rateHe also believes 4R Plus practices used on the farm help keep soil productive. The Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll shows from 2015 to 2017, more farmers adopted 4R Plus practices like no-till and nitrogen stabilizers. Contact Us. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses;. The "Plus" refers to conservation practices that can boost production, increase soil resiliency, reduce erosion and runoff, and improve water quality. 4R Plus practices are more effective when they are targeted in areas with the greatest runoff, nutrient loss and soil loss. The “Plus” component of the 4R Plus refers to highly effective conservation practices such as cover crops that complement best nutrient management practices and further reduce nutrient losses while retaining or improving soil. “No-till allows moisture to infiltrate much better than tilled soil because the soil isn’t. The worms help with water infiltration and have loosened up compaction. Once logged in, you will find a variety of materials. A variety of nutrient stewardship and conservation practices are available for Iowa farmers to use to improve soil health and water quality. 4R Plus involves using precise 4R nutrient management along with conservation practices to enhance soil health and improve water quality. Testing soil on a regular basis and using these indicators can help you best manage your crop and soil. Thanks to a better understanding of soil management, you know that4R Plus is a nutrient management and conservation program to make farmers aware of practices that bolster production, build soil health and improve water quality in Iowa. present participle of trial 2. The 4R Plus program is a science-based framework to increase awareness and provide information on 4R nutrient stewardship and conservation practices in order to improve soil health, crop yields and water quality. The 2021 growing season produced some of the highest soybean yields Michael Vittetoe has ever seen. 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Contact 4R Plus. “The reality is we are not in control of the weather and need 4R Plus practices to protect our soil,” he said. Photo: Joseph L. 4R Plus Practices Used. Improve nitrogen management using 4R nutrient stewardship practices. present participle of trial 3. He farms in Washington County, one of the few Iowa counties not dealing with drought conditions on a regular basis in 2021. In 2020, 4R Plus followed four Iowa farmers through the growing season to learn how they used conservation and nutrient stewardship practices on their farms and the benefits. With more than 40 speakers, there was a lot of information to take in. 4R Plus Supporters. 4R Plus makes agronomic and economic sense. The survey showed that about two-thirds of respondents were aware of the 4R Plus program, and had learned about it through diverse information sources such as the farm press, ISU Extension and Outreach and agricultural retailers. While industry and conservation organizations are. Several speakers noted the difficulty of identifying 4R messaging that. Along with her husband, Brandon, the Doyles use an integrated 4R Plus approach on their Tama County farm. Nitrate (NO 3 −) leaching has negative human and environmental health consequences that can be attributed to and mitigated by agricultural decision making. OMB No. “We want to keep the ground productive and maintain its value as cropland. Like many Iowa farmers curious about the soil health movement, Jasper County’s Kyle Schnell and Fayette County’s Loran Steinlage have adopted 4R Plus practices and are enjoying financial rewards for their efforts. Regarding soil health, Russell says there’s a Plus Side to his 4R Plus system. Davis County farmer Roger Wuthrich was hoping to do some experimenting with cover crop mixtures this year, but due to the variable weather his farm endured during the 2020 growing season, he’s just happy the early seeded cover crops have emerged. Regularly testing tile lines. Farmers from. the process of formally testing a…. Agriculture’s Clean Water Alliance aligns with Iowa’s 4R Plus program to help boost crop yields, while improving soil health and water quality in the state Des Moines, Iowa. ACWA aligned with the 4R Plus program as one of the key elements of their work plan, especially for the purposes of training agronomy teams on conservation practices. The study of Quemada et al. While industry and conservation organizations are. Finally, the PACC describes clinical scenarios in which IT trialing is required or not required. To equip farmers and landowners with the information they need to make these important decisions, 4R Plus and Iowa Corn are co-hosting farmer panels at the Iowa Power Farming Show. ) In fact, Iowa has adopted its own version of the 4Rs that incorporates conservation practices and named it 4R Plus. Plant cover crops to take up water and nutrients from the soil. Crank/Soak (Offline) for best results Online - used for extending Intervals between crank/soaks Detergent quality specification - MID-TD-0000-5 See O&M manual volume I, appendix A Water quality specification - MID-TD-0000-4 See O&M manual volume I, appendix A. Farmers who spoke with the Manitoba Co-operator said most are already using 4R principles to some degree, even if not formally recognized. He shares the multiple Plus Side benefits he has discovered – like improved plant health – transitioning tillage practices and. Find more 4R Plus success stories or check out Robbins’ online store offering homegrown beef. . Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is a quality system covering the organizational process and conditions under which non-clinical laboratory studies are planned, performed, monitored, recorded, reported, and archived. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. The 4R Plus framework is promoted as a win-win approach that can minimize farming’s impacts on water quality while maintaining or improving productivity. . ”Spring 2021: Protect Productive Soil Using 4R Plus Practices Dale Launstein of Grundy County is willing to go to great lengths protecting the productive soil he raises corn and soybeans on. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. Variable-rate application of nutrients. The new 4R Plus initiative adds in soil conservation practices that enhance soil health and improve water quality, with the goal of achieving a more productive crop now and in the future. Give-and-take needed to partner on 4R Plus practices. The 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship. Schaaf is a firm believer that improving soil productivity is critical to producing more food. These four factors have been recognized as the major pillars of nutrient best management practices for at least 30 yr. " – Jasper County, Iowa, farmer Kyle Schnell. Examples of the specific Tier 1 measures include nutrient levels, organic carbon, pH and available water-holding capacity. m. The second-year canes are called floricanes. But then the spigot turned off and temperatures soared during the grain fill period. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. 4R Plus involves using precise 4R nutrient management along with conservation practices to enhance soil health and improve water quality. Jackson is a corn and soybean farmer in Mahaska County, Iowa. The 4Rs are all interdependent and interconnected. Too many farms are now applying the same rate of N nutrients per crop across every acre. “The structure of the soil is better. The 4Rs of nutrient stewardship – right source, right rate, right time and right place – are important in order to optimize yield potential while minimizing nutrient losses from fields. • Tuesday, Jan. Now the soybeans are no-tilled, and for the first time this spring, some of their corn was planted into. The “Plus” in 4R Plus refers to a suite of in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices that increase soil resiliency and help to keep nutrients on fields and out of adjacent water bodies. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. He’s battled excess moisture at planting three years running on his southeast Iowa farm, but by late July, the crops needed a drink. The following list is a small sample of events that relate to 4R Plus practices in Iowa. The annual survey of Iowa farmers is the longest-running survey of its kind. 4R Plus followed four farmers from various regions in Iowa in 2021 who say “Plus” practices like cover crops reduced fertilizer and herbicide use while protecting yields. The concept of the 4Rs is simple: apply the right source of nutrient, at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place. Together, they enjoy the process of discovering how 4R Plus practices like cover crops and no-till complement the cattle enterprise and conserve soil health and water quality. Spencer meets with his farm manager monthly and the manager loops him in as needed on decisions like booking inputs, many of which. Farmers across Iowa are implementing 4R Plus practices to help ensure better soil health, higher productivity and cleaner water. Reduce, Recycle, Refuse, and Reuse are the four R’s that protects the environment and prevent. Improving the health of our soil and protecting water quality is important to the well-being of Iowa agriculture. Farmers from varied landscapes are being followed by 4R Plus through the 2020 growing season to learn how practices are used and the agronomic and economic benefits seen. , 2017; Omonode et al. To mitigate soil loss, Cruse stresses the importance of keeping soil covered. He began experimenting with no-till in the 1980s. Iowa State University’s Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll: 2018 Summary Report demonstrates the percentage of Iowa’s farmers who are adopting 4R Plus practices continues to rise. Feb 14, 2022 at 12:41 PM #9 #9. 4R Plus is a whole system approach, incorporating practices that help to improve habitat, soil health and drainage management. Implementing 4R Plus practices will help safeguard and improve the health of Iowa soil and water, which is important to the long-term quality of life for Iowans and sustainability of farming. Perhaps the next step is to target the 4R practice per field or per landscape. Fertilizers are seen as “chemicals,” and indeed, human-made chemicals do not have the best reputation. 4R Plus, a combination of the “4Rs” of nutrient stewardship “plus” conservation practices, are needed. We need nutrient management plus conservation practices to meet Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy nontarget goals, which aim to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loading into Iowa waters by 41 and 29 percent, respectively. Photo courtesy of 4R Plus. This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. "When considering a 4R Plus practice, keep the long-term benefits in mind. 2020 has been a year that has tested everything we have known about farming in Iowa. 4R Plus is a nutrient management and conservation program to make farmers aware of practices that bolster production, build soil health and improve water. Variable weather is one of the reasons he uses 4R Plus practices – to weatherproof soil. . especially for the purposes of training agronomy teams on conservation practices. Mahaska County farmer Mark Jackson defines sustainability as having the economics of farming in balance with his community and the environment. But following a wet harvest adds to the concern of farmers in his area that didn’t get their fall tillage work complete. Edge-of-field practices provide farmers with immediate gratification because the benefits are quickly measurable. By AgWeb Guest Editor May 28, 2019. by Greg Wandrey, Iowa agriculture program director, The Nature Conservancy and 4R Plus program coordinator June 2018. By 4R Plus | December 8, 2020. Alongside her husband, AJ, they rely on 4R Plus practices to help reach their goal for continual improvement by enhancing soil health and. Launstein reported in Grundy County, some of the state’s highest-rated farmland, he’s seeing an uptick in. This is remarkable progress, but there is still more work to be done because the Phase III WIP goal is 17. The soil health practices also lay the groundwork for additional revenue opportunities, like capturing carbon from the. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des. Photo: Iowa Corn. So, 4R practices also apply to organic farming. Implementing 4R Plus practices will help safeguard and improve the health of Iowa soil and water, which is important to the long-term quality of life for Iowans and sustainability of. On the steep hills of Harrison and Monona counties, Curt Mether has a cropping system that has stood the test of time. . 5 N) or 14 (1. These materials provide an overview of 4R Plus, including the importance of nutrient stewardship and conservation practices to help Iowa reach its nutrient reduction. ”. 4R Plus involves using precise 4R nutrient management and conservation practices to provide nutrients when the crop needs them, to enhance soil health, and improve water quality. He’s glad he was introduced to no-till in the ’60s when his father led the operation, as it keeps him from being overly anxious about getting into the fields in the spring. Increase perennials in row crop rotations to reduce both drainage flow and nitrate loads. They also maintain terraces, waterways, and buffer strips, and they have restored wetlands and added ponds to expand the quail habitat. But he believes that statistic would improve if farmers think about what the soil on their farms will look like in 20, 50 or even. Not surprisingly, farmers with more positive attitudes toward the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy were more likely to have used many of the practices. He’s transitioning to retirement and handing over more of the work to his son and a longtime partner but remains active on the farm. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA. 4R Plus. Three years into his trials, Boyer saw enough benefits to seed cover crops on all the acres he own. Field zone mapping consulting services for variable-rate nitrogen applications. With the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy’s goal to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous loads in Iowa waters by 45 percent, farmers are looking for ways they can contribute to this goal. Adam Nechanicky, a farmer from Tama County, told Dustin Hoffman, a farm broadcaster with the Iowa Agribusiness Radio network, he adopts conservation and nutrient stewardship practices to keep the soil healthy and on his farm where it’s most valuable. Julius Schaaf, a fifth-generation farmer in Fremont County, was impressed by how well the 2021 corn and soybean crops performed given exceptional dryness early in the growing season that had him wondering if he’d be able to fill grain contracts. He believes cover crops can make a dramatic difference in keeping nutrients and soil on farms and out of. In addition to Ohio and New York, the program is. The "Plus" in 4R Plus relates to in-field and edge- of-field conservation practices that increase the resiliency of your soil and improve water quality. The 4Rs focus on nutrient application, which is an excellent place to start, because getting applied nutrients recovered by crops is fundamental to. 4R Nutrient Stewardship provides a framework to achieve cropping system goals, such as increased production, increased farmer profitability, enhanced environmental protection and improved sustainability. As with any change in management, challenges occur when trying new soil health practices. Using the 4Rs allows you to keep the nutrients in the root zone and available when the crop needs them the most during the growing season. Jasper County farmer Roger Zylstra has learned the crop can’t make up for what’s lost on the front end of a growing season. Participatory evaluation of crop performance and 4R practices imposed in these 4R learning sites for the various key crops in the project area will allow for adaptation of 4R practices to suit specific local conditions, presenting an increased opportunity for enhanced adoption among farmers. Strategies.