Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and the Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council (INREC) announced on Apr. 13 a new three-year Nitrogen Soil Sampling Project aimed at helping farmers in areas upstream from the Des Moines metro manage fertilizer use more efficiently. The initiative will provide soil testing for residual nitrogen, which can help farmers adjust their fertilizer application rates, potentially reducing costs and benefiting water quality.
The project comes at a time when many farmers face low commodity prices and high input costs, including near-record fertilizer prices. According to Naig, “Farmers are operating in a very challenging economy with low commodity prices and high input costs, including fertilizer prices near record highs. With affordability top of mind, this is the perfect time for farmers to take a closer look at their fertilizer management programs. Soil sampling, coupled with the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative’s N-FACT tool, gives farmers better data to make input decisions. This project is a win-win; soil sampling has the potential to save farmers money on fertilizer costs while maintaining yields and delivering water quality benefits.”
Experts from Iowa State University have found that residual nitrogen levels may be higher than average this year due to relatively warm winter weather. By using field-level data from soil samples before applying additional fertilizer, growers can avoid unnecessary applications.
Ben Gleason, INREC Executive Director, said: “Nitrogen decisions involve many variables. This program gives farmers the chance to work off real numbers from their own fields. In a year where every input dollar matters, that kind of precision can make a difference.”
The first phase of enrollment targets Boone, Calhoun, Greene, Hamilton and Webster counties north of Des Moines metro this spring; expansion is planned for fall into other river watersheds. Participating growers will provide basic field information and complete surveys as part of ongoing research efforts with Iowa State University.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship supports such conservation practices through no-interest loans and grants according to its official website. The department also works statewide to support agriculture as well as land and water resources according to its official website. Efforts like these align with policies such as the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy intended to curb nutrient runoff into waterways according to its official website.
Iowa holds national prominence as the leading producer of pork, corn, eggs, ethanol and biodiesel according to its official website. The department aims not only to champion local producers but also safeguard consumers and natural resources while promoting rural growth according to its official website.
Farmers interested in participating or learning more about supporting resources are encouraged by organizers to visit iowanrec.org/nitrogen-soil-sampling-project.
