4R Plus involves using precise 4R nutrient management along with conservation practices to enhance soil health and improve water quality. Improving soil health brings results. 4R Plus practices will help safeguard and improve the health of Iowa soil and water for generations to come. Contact Us. 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. Farmers just need information, resources and encouragement to speed adoption. The simple 4R ideas will gain most farms added yield. The. , survey of its. 4R Advocates and other farmers have. ”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. 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. The results have been impressive: increased organic matter in the soil, reduced fertilizer applications, reduced pesticide use, improved water quality, drastically reduced fuel and equipment costs from. June 13, 2021 by Saad Iqbal. Other 4R Plus Resources. He missed the very worst of the derecho, but was in the bull’s eye of. By implementing 4R nutrient stewardship practices, you optimize the nutrients you apply to maximize plant uptake and minimize field losses. By: 4R Plus December 2018. 4R 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. New Horizons for Conservation in Agriculture. Use the blog search to learn how farmers are incorporating 4R Plus practices to improve soil health and water quality. It revealed nitrogen stabilizer use was the most common among 4R practices, used by 43% of respondents in 2017 compared to 38% in 2015. Learn about the agronomic, conservation and land management practices that can work in every region. 4R Plus Practices Used. A year after launching, the 4R Plus program continues to add to the resources available to Iowa farmers and agriculture professionals. Raspberry plants produce a number of new canes, known as primocanes, each year. Article. Meier (left) welcomes visitors to learn about the benefits of the practices he has on the farm. Cost Share Options. 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 many cases, that future is already underway. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. 4R Plus Nutrient Management. 4R Plus website This website also has a blog featuring Iowa farmers and members from ACWA as guest authors. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. in Room 311. Recker is an advocate for 4R Plus practices like no-till and cover crops. 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. " – Floyd County, Iowa, farmer Wayne Koehler. 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. The 2021 growing season produced some of the highest soybean yields Michael Vittetoe has ever seen. “No-till allows moisture to infiltrate much better than tilled soil because the soil isn’t. 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. 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. 4R is a sustainable farming practice that focuses on producing food in a way that is both environmentally friendly and economically viable. June 28, 2022, 10:50 am | J. Mahaska County farmer Mark Jackson defines sustainability as having the economics of farming in balance with his community and the environment. Ownership of Iowa farmland is increasingly shifting to landowners with little to no understanding of the conservation practices that improve soil resiliency, said Wendong Zhang, Ph. It's easy to spot a close beyond a moving average, so there's no room for overthinking or interpretation. Related posts. 2017), or several of the practices that comprise the 4R Plus suite of practices, such as complementary nutrient management practices (Bates and Arbuckle 2017), has previously been studied. 4R nutrient stewardship involves best management practices (BMPs) that optimize the efficiency of fertilizer use. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program is built on the foundation of the 4R of Nutrient Stewardship: Right Source at the Right Rate, at the Right Time and in the Right Place. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods;. He attributed building organic matter using 4R Plus practices, like one-pass vertical tillage, as improving the water-holding capacity of the soil, which makes a difference in a year like. Gordon Arbuckle Jr;Improve nitrogen management using 4R nutrient stewardship practices. To gain more knowledge, he joined the virtual community of farmers sharing how they implement 4R Plus practices. 4R Plus is a nutrient management and conservation program to make farmers aware of practices that bolster production, build soil health and improve water. Schaaf is a firm believer that improving soil productivity is critical to producing more food. Finally, the PACC describes clinical scenarios in which IT trialing is required or not required. Asking “Was the crop given the right source at the. 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. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309; Phone: (515) 244-5044. Implement the 4Rs. TRDLE New Member. With 60% of his corn crop harvested as of late October, Launstein was averaging around 245 bushels per acre. No-till stops erosion on sloping ground. 5 N) or 14 (1. Situation. The Kenney family farms in Story County. 4R Plus Practices Make ‘Dollars and Sense’ to Southeastern Iowa Family. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. That combination of conservation and management practices, along with cover crops, has drastically improved the moisture-holding capacity of their soils. By: 4R Plus November 2019. 4R Plus is a nutrient management and conservation program to better inform farmers, crop advisers and other stakeholders of the benefits of the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship. 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. 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. For more information on soil health. Jackson is a corn and soybean farmer in Mahaska County, Iowa. With more than 40 speakers, there was a lot of information to take in. “Nitrogen has never been free or cheap. “We do a multiyear analysis and I can target my really low-producing areas to create a variable-rate planting and nutrient prescription. 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. Reduce, Recycle, Refuse, and Reuse are the four R’s that protects the environment and prevent. ) 4R Plus looks at the whole system. The 4R approach to agricultural nutrient management aims to ensure use of the “right source” of nutrients at. 4R Plus supports Iowa farmers’ efforts to improve their soil and water conservation through precise nutrient management and conservation practices. On the mostly flat landscape, the fifth-generation farmer now grows corn, soybeans, hay, rye and oats. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des. 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. This Program is a nutrient management and conservation program that equips Iowa farmers with the tools and resources to protect and enhance. The study of Quemada et al. The benefits of 4R Plus practices are front of mind as farmers look ahead to the 2022 growing season, when pricey inputs will likely narrow margins. “I can’t afford to keep pouring inputs into the acres that pull productivity down,” he said. Reduce drainage intensity with wider-spaced tile. Learn about the agronomic,. Southeast Iowa family says economic benefits of 4R Plus practices help with their farm’s sustainability. Soil erosion in Iowa is occurring about 10 times faster than soil is being renewed, says Rick Cruse, Ph. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. Summer 2021: Finding the Sweet Spot When Terminating Rye. "When considering a 4R Plus practice, keep the long-term benefits in mind. 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. , Room 311 • Wednesday, Jan. 4R Plus "Crop Report" farmers answer your questions. In the interview, Swanson said the people of Iowa can rest assured his operation is doing what it can to be responsible. Photo: Joseph L. 4R Designation – Offering Sustainable Solutions. To achieve those goals, the 4R concept incorporates the: Right fertilizer source at the. m. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309;. 29, 11:15 a. “It’s that decision not to fall plow, that decision. 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. On the mostly flat landscape, Kossuth County’s Matt and Nancy Bormann have peace of mind knowing the land is prepped for spring planting. Strategies. We’re put here to take care of the animals and the land. 4R Plus is developed by 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. Mitchell Hora continually fine-tunes 4R Plus practices on the Washington County land he farms alongside his father. The 4Rs play irreplaceable roles in sustainability of the economy, society, and environment. 4R Plus Soil Health & Conservation Practices Today, the business case for healthy soils is stronger than ever. The crop caught a nice 2-inch rain in August that was “probably a lifesaver,” he said. 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. 2017), or several of the practices that comprise the 4R Plus suite of practices, such as. 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 Soil Health Institute has endorsed a number of soil health measurements. Once you start, you’ll wish you had started no-till sooner. Despite it all, Tama County farmer Adam Nechanicky is looking forward to the next planting season, and implementing 4R Plus practices to continue to improve his soil. Canola 4R Advantage encourages farmers to initiate or advance 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices when growing canola. To become a part of the 4R program, farmers have to work with a 4R designated agronomist. Informa PLC | ABOUT US | INVESTOR RELATIONS | TALENT. Multi-cropping is more than one crop harvested on the same field in the same year. 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Contact 4R Plus. But he’s always looking for areas to improve. 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. Fremont County, Iowa, farmer Julius Schaaf encourages others to consider the Plus Side of weatherproofing soil using 4R Plus practices like no-till and. Mitchell County, Iowa, farmer Wayne Fredericks believes you have to practice what you preach “or you shouldn’t be out there preaching. The panels will take place at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa, on Tuesday, Jan. While her father and grandfather started no-tilling before Fisher returned to the farm, she quickly went to work experimenting with other 4R Plus management practices. Swanson says soil and manure testing is at the foundation of rethinking nutrient management. Farmland is in short-supply, demand is high, and farm income is strong. The animal can digest roughage, corn, wet distillers’ grain and more. But then the spigot turned off and temperatures soared during the grain fill period. Photo courtesy of The nature Conservancy. “If you have money in another asset, such as a house or a building, you protect it,” Matt said. The soil health movement spurred Floyd County farmer Wayne Koehler’s interest to add 4R Plus practices. Harvest 2020: Building on 4R Plus Practice Success. We provide online practice tests that simulate the official exam. Photo courtesy of 4R Plus. Making the most of soil - the most valuable asset on your farm Our professional team works to increase productivity and cost effectiveness on your farm. 4R Nutrient Stewardship provides a framework to achieve cropping system goals, such as increased production, increased farmer profitability, enhanced environmental protection and improved sustainability. Two and a half weeks start to finish was a quick harvest season for Kossuth County farmers Matt and Nancy Bormann. 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. Adam Kiel (left) from the Iowa Soybean Association collects a water sample from Lee Tesdell’s bioreactor. By implementing 4R nutrient stewardship practices, you optimize the nutrients you apply to maximize plant uptake and minimize field losses. It has made Iowa a proving ground for technology, traits, and practices. · April 9, 2021. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. The impact of 4R Plus practices varies depending on the practice and what you're measuring. The "Plus" refers to conservation practices that can boost production, increase soil resiliency, reduce erosion and runoff, and improve water quality. A close on the other side of a moving average is one of the easiest ways to trail your stop loss. 8 million pounds per year. Murphy/Iowa Soybean Association Twitter: @jmurphix; Website: Wright County, Iowa, farmer Tim Smith wants to be part of the solution. 4R Plus involves using precise nutrient management to provide nutrients when and where the crops need them and targeted conservation practices that enhance soil health and. 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. While I’m just in my early ’30s, I only have 40 attempts to grow a crop in my lifetime. Cost Share Options. After years of adding 4R Plus practices to improve soil structure, he’s more confident about pushing the front end of the planting window. Hickey explains that soil health and water quality start with the management. 4R Plus. Photo: Joseph L. , agronomy professor at Iowa State University and director of the Iowa Water Center. Contact 4R Plus. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309; Phone: (515) 244-5044. While 4R refers to in-field nutrient management practices, “Plus” refers to in-field conservation practices, such as no-till and cover crops, and edge-of-field. Three years into his trials, Boyer saw enough benefits to seed cover crops on all the acres he own. This year, the system allowed for timely planting. Perhaps the next step is to target the 4R practice per field or per landscape. 4R Plus practices put to use in rented-land discussions. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. Specific questions about 4R Plus nutrient management and conservation practices for your farm likely are best addressed with your crop adviser, conservation district representative or Natural Resources Conservation Service expert. Similarly, 48% believed the practices had. 30, 11:15 a. OMB No. The Bormanns made a conscious decision to farm more sustainable using 4R Plus practices and see value in protecting the soil. 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. What You Need to Know About Implementing a Cover Crops Strategy. Mollie Aronowitz is the director of sustainability and a land manager for Peoples Company. 4R Plus Farmer’s Focus: Keep Soil From Moving Adam Nechanicky farms in Tama County. Conclusion: The PACC provides consensus guidance on best practices of trialing for IDDS implants. practices from which farmers can select, using adaptive management. 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. 4R Plus practices are more effective when they are targeted in areas with the greatest runoff, nutrient loss and soil loss. By 4R Plus | December 8, 2020. DLE. Spring is an exercise in patience for farmers and it’s a virtue Jasper County Iowa farmer Roger Zylstra has practiced for many years. • 6% reported they had used three 4R practices (right source, rate and time); and • Roughly 83% said they had used at least one in-field or edge-of-field “plus” practice. 4R 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. The 2021 poll included questions about the 4R Plus program. Dale Launstein of Grundy County is reaping the rewards of 4R Plus practices like strip-tilling corn, no-tilling soybeans into cornstalks and planting cover crops on all acres. 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. Jones County, Iowa, farmer Darin Stolte is passionate about nutrient stewardship. The 2018 4R Summit was held in Des Moines in June 2018. A good place to start is conservation. Kelly Nieuwenhuis has seen drought conditions intensify through the growing season in O’Brien County, but says the crops are holding their own on his good ground. By 4R Plus | December 8, 2020. Doug Carter farms in Audubon County. 4R Plus has developed a video to help farmers and other stakeholders understand the goals of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Using 4R practices, along with other sustainable farming practices, also helps to improve air, water, and soil quality, while promoting the long-term health of our planet. This fifth-generation farmer uses soil conservation practices to improve. New Horizons for Conservation in Agriculture. This white paper reviews some of the best practices that Intronis recommends for installing, configuring and trialing Intronis Cloud Backup and Recovery. Right time and in the. By: 4R Plus September 2020. Give-and-take needed to partner on 4R Plus practices. Dustin Hoffmann - October 19, 2020 9:40 am. 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Contact 4R Plus. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309; Phone: (515) 244-5044. 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place ®) lets the world know when food has been sustainably. Comprehensive soil fertility testing is the foundation of a farm’s prescribed 4R nutrient stewardship program, says Emily Doyle, precision ag specialist at New Century FS. Examples of the specific Tier 1 measures include nutrient levels, organic carbon, pH and available water-holding capacity. 1a . To fertilize properly and achieve the benefits of an abundant and healthy crop, professionals should follow the 4Rs of fertilizer use: Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place ®. Also on the 4R Plus website, see the Conservation Practices page for a. The use of a single 4R Plus practice, such as cover crops (Roesch-McNally et al. Supporters of the 4R Plus program are invited to create a user profile in order to gain access to materials that you can use to spread the 4R Plus message to farmers, agronomists and consultants about the importance of conservation and nutrient stewardship practices. To improve sustainability, many crop management practices beyond crop nutrition become important. 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. 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 he believes that statistic would improve if farmers think about what the soil on their farms will look like in 20, 50 or even. Photo: Clay Masters/Iowa Public Radio. 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. He believes cover crops can make a dramatic difference in keeping nutrients and soil on farms and out of. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des. ”. He also relies on data to confirm his efforts with multiple 4R Plus practices to improve soil structure 4R Plus is having a positive impact concerning the adoption of 4R nutrient management and conservation practices, according to the recent Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll conducted by Iowa State University. 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. With 60% of his corn crop harvested as of late October, Launstein was averaging around 245 bushels per acre. So, 4R practices also apply to organic farming. The 4Rs focus on nutrient application, which is an excellent place to start, because getting applied nutrients recovered by crops is fundamental to. NEW: Funding to develop 4R plan s. Contact 4R Plus. Humboldt County, Iowa, farmer Doug Adams is pleased with near-trend corn and soybean yields, considering a wide variety of weather conditions through the 2019 growing season. By implementing 4R nutrient stewardship practices, you optimize the nutrients you apply to maximize plant uptake and minimize field losses. “That’s simply based on economics,” said Clayton Harder, who farms north and east of Winnipeg. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA. While industry and conservation organizations are. 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. The Heckman family assess conservation practices that bring benefits to their farm. Once logged in, you will find a variety of materials. Connecting Conservation-Minded Landowners and Tenants. 1545-0074. 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. He incorporated the 4Rs. “Delaware Nutrient Management Commission [DNMC]. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des. . 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. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. Spencer meets with his farm manager monthly and the manager loops him in as needed on decisions like booking inputs, many of which. It used to be more difficult for farmers to find a local cover crop seed dealer or application business, but a new app helps them get started. Mitchell Hora says 4R Plus practices are critical to the longevity of his farm. Rains were still 6 to 9 inches behind. 4R Plus practices weatherproof soil. The 4Rs are all interdependent and interconnected. Raspberries are woody shrubs that have a perennial root system and long, thin stems or canes, which are biennial. “We use 4R Plus practices like no-till, cover crops and split-applied nutrient applications because we want to keep the family farm prosperous so future generations can enjoy making a living on this land,” Kubik said. Keeping water clean and soil healthy is critical for Iowa, which is why the state set big goals to reduce nutrient loss. up the 4R Plus framework. AMES, Iowa – A recent report from the Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll at Iowa State University indicates that a major nutrient management effort called the 4R Plus initiative is having a positive impact. 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 Harvest 2021: Emphasize 4R Plus Practices in Cash Rent Discussions. Harvest 2020: Sticking with 4R Plus Practices Long-term. Nieuwenhuis has seen organic matter increase dramatically after switching to one-pass vertical tillage. Right rate, at the. 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. Summer 2019: 4R Plus Practices Have Cumulative Effect. Other 4R Plus Resources. Account for nutrient credits from previous year to determine rate. “The seed beans didn’t show up until early June. By: 4R Plus October 2018. ”. Anaerobic digesters also digest organic materials to produce methane, but Sievers explains they take things a step further, harnessing the methane. These findings are important for policy makers and extension education programs because. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309; Phone: (515) 244-5044. Because of the long harvest season last fall, some of their planned cover crop acres did not get seeded. Humboldt County, Iowa, farmer Doug Adams is pleased with near-trend corn and soybean yields, considering a wide variety of weather conditions through the 2019 growing season. The annual 4R Summit, sponsored by The Fertilizer Institute, was held in Minneapolis June 12 and 13 to share effective nutrient stewardship tenets and practices. PB. About 25% of the ground is highly erodible, but the rest is mostly flat. Humboldt County farmer Doug Adams had a plan A for the spring planting season, but wet conditions forced him to make some adjustments. National projects help amplify the importance of applying 4R Nutrient Stewardship to. 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. , 2017). Join Iowa farmers and Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Julie Kenney, as they make their business cases for healthier soils. Purpose. In practice, it is well realized that fertilizer best management practices (BMP) should utilize the 4R principle (Right source, Right rate, Right time, and Right place). . The double whammy of drought conditions and downed crops due to the historic derecho has some Iowa farmers questioning the feasibility of seeding cover crops this fall, despite their proven benefits. 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. This is remarkable progress, but there is still more work to be done because the Phase III WIP goal is 17. In an anaerobic digester, manure is combined in the digester with other. Both ultimately impacted his yields, but he believes 4R Plus practices helped. Murphy/Iowa Soybean Association. 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. Find an upcoming crop or soil. 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. 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. We have told you stories of farmers who have made a gradual implementation of. There’s the eye test and then there’s hard data analysis. Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. Last name Address . Stu Swanson has been farming in Wright County for three decades, and 10 years ago he made the decision to fine-tune the nutrient management protocol on his corn, soybean and hog operation. Improve nitrogen management using 4R nutrient stewardship practices. “When we get a heavy rain, it soaks in, and when it’s dry, the soil holds the moisture better,” he said. “The quickest way to improve soil structure is to stop heavy tillage. The Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll shows from 2015 to 2017, more farmers adopted 4R Plus practices like no-till and nitrogen stabilizers. A variety of nutrient stewardship and conservation practices are available for Iowa farmers to use to improve soil health and water quality. A variety of nutrient stewardship and conservation practices are available for Iowa farmers to use to improve soil health and. “But during a drought, we have less nitrogen losses to the atmosphere, to the waterways and in the root zone to the plant and eventually the crop,” he explained. 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. 29, and Wednesday, Jan. Implementation of the 4R's helps to. Joined:What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. 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. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309; Phone: (515) 244-5044. Along with her husband, Brandon, the Doyles use an integrated 4R Plus approach on their Tama County farm. 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. Unfortunately, a high soil moisture profile this fall has him concerned about 2020. 4R Plus practices will help safeguard and improve the health of Iowa soil and water for generations to come. 4R Plus website This website also has a blog featuring Iowa farmers and members from ACWA as guest authors. “When we are scouting fields, we have observed that where we terminated cover crops. 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. The 4R nutrient stewardship principles are the same globally, but how they are used locally varies depending on field and site specific characteristics such as soil, cropping. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. The 4R approach to agricultural nutrient management aims to ensure use of the “right source. By: 4R Plus. " – Floyd County, Iowa, farmer Wayne Koehler. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses;. . A nutrient management and conservation program is inviting farmers to share how they are working to protect the productivity of the land. Rick Cruse, Ph. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. “In the past 10 years we’ve added waterways and buffer strips. She works with farmers across central and east-central Iowa, arming. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses;. Fertilizers are seen as “chemicals,” and indeed, human-made chemicals do not have the best reputation. management practices based on principles of the 4Rs. , 2017; Omonode et al. 4R Plus practices improve efficiencies. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. 4R Plus is a whole system approach, incorporating practices that help to improve habitat, soil health and drainage management. Choose the 4R Plus Practices that Best Fit Your Farm. The following list is a small sample of events that relate to 4R Plus practices in Iowa. Increase perennials in row crop rotations to reduce both drainage flow and nitrate loads. The “Plus” in 4R Plus refers to conservation practices that increase the resiliency of your soil, reduce erosion and improve water quality. We are also interested in making sure the water. A little more than half a pound of nitrogen is removed in each bushel of corn harvested. One of the byproducts of that consumption is methane. management and conservation practices to improve soil health and water quality - all while protecting their yields. Discover its benefits on and beyond your farm. During an average year, denitrification occurs at a rate of about 30 pounds per acre. Launstein reported in Grundy County, some of the state’s highest-rated farmland, he’s seeing an uptick in. The Explorer fit in the garage perfect and for me so does a 4R plus I think the quality of the 4R is much better given all of my research. Together, 4R nutrient stewardship and conservation practices can help farmers achieve healthier soils and ultimately a more productive crop now and in the future. Emily Doyle, a precision ag specialist, says soil testing makes economic sense. Outcome assessments were completed by 30 treatment and 28 control participants. Messaging. In an anaerobic digester, manure is combined in the digester. (2013) discovered that 4R nutrient management practices could reduce 40% of nitrate emission. ” Whether it’s the nutrient source, rate, time or. Farmers with vastly different topography benefit from no-till and nutrient management practices. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. These practices help your soil remain productive, SOIL ORGANIC MATTER soil health Soil health is the continued capacity of soil to function as a vitalHarvest 2021: Emphasize 4R Plus Practices in Cash Rent Discussions. For example, let's say that you went short at the arrow on this chart. Economic: Helping smallholder farmers grow more nutritious and marketable crops, increase revenues, productivity and profit margins. “I’m seeing more farmers decide to adopt regenerative soil techniques,” he said. 4R Nutrient Stewardship represents an innovative approach to fertilizer best management practices (BMPs). The materials can be downloaded and shared to accelerate adoption of the practices that benefit our farms, our soils and our waters. In other words, the 4Rs promote recommended nutrient management best practices for any given farming context. With goals to stop erosion, build organic matter and improve soil structure, he switched to a system. Use adjustable, flow-reduction structures placed in the drainage system. Managing plant nutrition according to principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship includes accountability for all three dimensions of sustainability.