This fifth-generation farmer uses soil conservation practices to improve. National projects help amplify the importance of applying 4R Nutrient Stewardship to. 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. Summer 2020: 4R Plus Practices Show Their Value Amid Varied Weather Davis County farmer Roger Wuthrich knows every growing season is different, but he dealt with some déjà vu at planting season. format, as well as showcasing the practices available, we hope to speed adoption of the practices. Other 4R Plus Resources. 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. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309;. These findings are important for policy makers and extension education programs because. A good place to start is conservation. It brings agriculture and conservation together to deliver a consistent set of messages around conservation practices. 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. Upadhaya and others published Individual- and county-level factors associated with farmers’ use of 4R Plus nutrient management practices | Find,. With 60% of his corn crop harvested as of late October, Launstein was averaging around 245 bushels per acre. D. Examples: Practices like no-till mean fewer trips across the field. Bret was well on his way transitioning from traditional tillage. We have been talking about it for a while now. 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. AMES, Iowa – A recent report from the Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll at Iowa State University indicates that a major nutrient. After years of adding 4R Plus practices to improve soil structure, he’s more confident about pushing the front end of the planting window. Rains were still 6 to 9 inches behind. Reduce, Recycle, Refuse, and Reuse are the four R’s that protects the environment and prevent. 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. 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. “I watched – and still do – a lot of videos, especially during the winter,” Schnell said. “I got started with cover crops as part of our seed corn production,” said the Field to Market 2020 National Farmer of the Year. 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. Similarly, 48% believed the practices had. DES MOINES, Iowa | February 13, 2018 – Today at the 2018 Agribusiness Showcase and Conference a group of agricultural and conservation stakeholders announced the launch of 4R Plus. Not surprisingly, farmers with more positive attitudes toward the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy were more likely to have used many of the practices. March 2020. The animal can digest roughage, corn, wet distillers’ grain and more. The 2021 poll included questions about the 4R Plus program. 4R Plus practices protect the soil, water and wildlife. We are also interested in making sure the water. Strategies. To achieve those goals, the 4R concept incorporates the: Right fertilizer source at the. The “Plus” in 4R Plus refers to conservation practices that increase the resiliency of your soil, reduce erosion and improve water quality. New Horizons for Conservation in Agriculture. The 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship. 4R fertilizer practices increase nutrient uptake and reduce. We want to demonstrate this to the world, by getting Canadian agri. The 4R approach to agricultural nutrient management aims to ensure use of the “right source. So, 4R practices also apply to organic farming. 4R Plus involves using precise 4R nutrient stewardship along with conservation practices like cover crops and no-till to enhance productivity, profitability and resiliency. He’s looking ahead to next season and trialing several different 4R Plus practices, including seeding rye cover crops into no-till soybeans and trying out new biologic technology in hopes of reducing nitrogen application. 5 N) or 14 (1. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. 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. No-till stops erosion on sloping ground. They also maintain terraces, waterways, and buffer strips, and they have restored wetlands and added ponds to expand the quail habitat. Both ultimately impacted his yields, but he believes 4R Plus practices helped. Improving soil health brings results. OMB No. 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. Cattle graze on Daly’s cover crops on the gentle rolling hills of Dubuque County. 4R Plus Soil Health & Conservation Practices Today, the business case for healthy soils is stronger than ever. Support for the program has expanded to include. When you improve soil health, you enhance crop growth and increase soil productivity, which can boost your yield potential and return on investment. The program is guided by a coalition of more than 50 organizations, including agribusinesses, conservation organizations, commodity and trade associations,. The 4Rs focus on nutrient application, which is an excellent place to start, because getting applied nutrients recovered by crops is fundamental to. The panels will take place at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa, on Tuesday, Jan. Best Practice Management. 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. ”. . Finally, the PACC describes clinical scenarios in which IT trialing is required or not required. county-level social, economic, and ecological factors associated with 4R Plus practice adop-tion. DLE. The 4R nutrient stewardship includes the right fertilizer source applied at the right rate, the right time, and the right place for a crop producing sustainable economic, social, and environmental outcomes. ” Whether it’s the nutrient source, rate, time or. The impact of 4R Plus practices varies depending on the practice and what you're measuring. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA. . 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. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. Emily Doyle, a precision ag specialist, says soil testing makes economic sense. 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. He farms with his parents and sister in Washington County, which was hammered with rain early in the season. This white paper reviews some of the best practices that Intronis recommends for installing, configuring and trialing Intronis Cloud Backup and Recovery. 4R Plus practices improve efficiencies. These practices are catching on across the Iowa. First name and middle initial. Learn about the 4R Plus practices he uses and how they have improved profitability on his farm. The soil health movement spurred Floyd County farmer Wayne Koehler’s interest to add 4R Plus practices. 4R Plus. 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. Mark Licht is an Extension cropping system specialist with Iowa State University. The progress of 4R Plus practices in Iowa. On the mostly flat landscape, Kossuth County’s Matt and Nancy Bormann have peace of mind knowing the land is prepped for spring planting. Mahaska County farmer Mark Jackson defines sustainability as having the economics of farming in balance with his community and the environment. Farmers are coming off a profitable year and planning for the 2022 growing season that’s expected to feature high input prices amid thin supplies. TRIALLING definition: 1. These practices help your soil remain productive, especially under variable weather. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des. 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. 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. Find more 4R Plus success stories or check out Robbins’ online store offering homegrown beef. "Once you start on the path of improving the soil you start to see its potential. Fertilizers are seen as “chemicals,” and indeed, human-made chemicals do not have the best reputation. Whether it’s for economic benefit or to lessen any environmental impact from fertilizer use, retailers make the 4R business case for. 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. 4R Plus, a combination of the “4Rs” of nutrient stewardship “plus” conservation practices, are needed. Wendong Zhang’s research seeks to better understand the farmland market, agricultural nutrient runoff and conservation practice adoption. Improving soils is a long-term commitment according to Audubon County farmer Doug Carter. In an anaerobic digester, manure is combined in the digester. “TFI’s 4R Advocates serve as real-world examples of how implementing 4R practices on a farm can positively impact the bottom line and provide environmental benefits. Situation. 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Contact 4R Plus. included in the previous recall, it still may be equipped with the defective parts. 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. mac1usa, Feb 14, 2022 #8. Also on the 4R Plus website, see the Conservation Practices page for a. 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. No farm is the same, so talk to your crop adviser, conservation district representative or Natural Resources Conservation Service expert about the 4R Plus practices that are best for your acres. “When we get a heavy rain, it soaks in, and when it’s dry, the soil holds the moisture better,” he said. For edge-of. Farmers with vastly different topography benefit from no-till and nutrient management practices. Soil erosion in Iowa is occurring about 10 times faster than soil is being renewed, says Rick Cruse, Ph. management practices based on principles of the 4Rs. Examples of the specific Tier 1 measures include nutrient levels, organic carbon, pH and available water-holding capacity. Implement the 4Rs. Non-operating landowners rate conservation and stewardship as a top priority – ranking closely with ownership of land being a source of income and a desire to keep the farm in the family, according to a Hertz Farm Management, Inc. “This might not be the most convenient plan. 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. He believes cover crops can make a dramatic difference in keeping nutrients and soil on farms and out of. The Bormanns made a conscious decision to farm more sustainable using 4R Plus practices and see value in protecting the soil. Testing soil on a regular basis and using these indicators can help you best manage your crop and soil. org. AMES, Iowa — 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 within a larger, county-level context. 4R Plus is a whole system approach, incorporating practices that help to improve habitat, soil health and drainage management. With 60% of his corn crop harvested as of late October, Launstein was averaging around 245 bushels per acre. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA. He’s looking ahead to next season and trialing several different 4R Plus practices, including seeding rye cover crops into no-till soybeans and trying out new biologic technology in hopes of reducing nitrogen application. 4R Nutrient Stewardship provides a framework to achieve cropping system goals, such as increased production, increased farmer profitability, enhanced environmental protection and improved sustainability. Jones County, Iowa, farmer Darin Stolte is passionate about nutrient stewardship. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309; Phone: (515) 244-5044. Farming through floods, drought and a derecho is an occupational hazard for farmers, but usually not all three in the same year. By AgWeb Guest Editor May 28, 2019. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. Schaaf is a firm believer that improving soil productivity is critical to producing more food. Right rate, at the. “I’m convinced tillage is hard on the soil and impacts crops the entire growing season,” he added. It all works together. “It’s that decision not to fall plow, that decision. 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. Discover its benefits on and beyond your farm. One of the byproducts of that consumption is methane. The annual survey of Iowa farmers is the longest-running survey of its kind. Three years into his trials, Boyer saw enough benefits to seed cover crops on all the acres he own. 4R Plus has developed a video to help farmers and other stakeholders understand the goals of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. It is an integrated system for. Use adjustable, flow-reduction structures placed in the drainage system. By: 4R Plus September 2020. Keep Fields Covered to Protect Yields from Erosion. A close on the other side of a moving average is one of the easiest ways to trail your stop loss. “I’ve seen first-hand the soil health benefits that come with cover crops, but unfortunately,. Gross farm sales had a significant positive effect in almost all the 4R plus practices models. Poll shows progress is being made toward reaching Iowa’s clean water goals. Adam Kiel (left) from the Iowa Soybean Association collects a water sample from Lee Tesdell’s bioreactor. 4R Plus is a nutrient management and conservation program to make farmers aware of practices that bolster production, build soil health and improve water. Anaerobic digesters also digest organic materials to produce methane, but Sievers explains they take things a step further, harnessing the methane. About 25% of the ground is highly erodible, but the rest is mostly flat. The 4R Plus questions for the 2021 Farm Poll survey were developed in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, a key partner in the Iowa 4R Plus initiative. By implementing 4R nutrient stewardship practices, you optimize the nutrients you apply to maximize plant uptake and minimize field losses. ) 4R Plus looks at the whole system. Nieuwenhuis has seen organic matter increase dramatically after switching to one-pass vertical tillage. Iowa Corn is hosting a panel discussion at the Iowa Power Farming Show January 29 and 30, 2019. The 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship. . The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program encourages agricultural retailers and independent crop consultants (nutrient service providers or NSPs) to adopt proven best. 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Contact 4R Plus. 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. The use of a single 4R Plus practice, such as cover crops (Roesch-McNally et al. ” Advertisement Now in its eighth year, the 4R Advocate Program has recognized 80 growers and retailers, farming 176,095 acres in 20 states. “We plan to plant some of those acres yet this spring, especially in areas that aren’t as well drained. 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. Mitchell Hora says 4R Plus practices are critical to the longevity of his farm. Field trials in 2019 started with nine Iowa farmers. By then the rye was taller than the planter boxes and when I jumped off the tractor I was eye-to. Sustainable farming is the future. 2020 has been a year that has tested everything we have known about farming in Iowa. 4R Plus involves using precise 4R nutrient management along with conservation practices to enhance soil health and improve water quality. “That’s simply based on economics,” said Clayton Harder, who farms north and east of Winnipeg. 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place ®) lets the world know when food has been sustainably. PB. The program is guided by a coalition of more than 50 organizations, including agribusinesses, conservation organizations, commodity and trade associations, government agencies. 29, and Wednesday, Jan. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. Recker is an advocate for 4R Plus practices like no-till and cover crops. Cows and cover crops are helping produce a renewable fuel source on Bryan Sievers’s Scott County, Iowa, farm. Because of the long harvest season last fall, some of their planned cover crop acres did not get seeded. Connecting Conservation-Minded Landowners and Tenants. 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. Gordon Arbuckle Jr. Improve nitrogen management using 4R nutrient stewardship practices. See more4R 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. “The reality is we are not in control of the weather and need 4R Plus practices to protect our soil,” he said. To improve sustainability, many crop management practices beyond crop nutrition become important. Krause and Spencer believe the landowner/tenant relationship is a partnership built on respect, flexibility, and honest, two-sided communication. Find an upcoming crop or soil. sity to adopt multiple practices that make up the 4R Plus framework. The use of a single 4R Plus practice, such as cover crops (Roesch-McNally et al. Krause and Spencer believe the landowner/tenant relationship is a partnership built on respect, flexibility, and honest, two-sided communication. The "Plus" refers to conservation practices that can boost production, increase soil resiliency, reduce erosion and runoff, and improve water quality. 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. He shares the multiple Plus Side benefits he has discovered – like improved plant health – transitioning tillage practices and. 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. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. 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. the process of formally testing a…. 4R Plus Practices Make ‘Dollars and Sense’ to Southeastern Iowa Family. Recommended practices. The Hundley family started farming in 1935 in the Everglades Agricultural Area, one of the larger contiguous bodies of organic soil in the world. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. The Soil Health Institute has endorsed a number of soil health measurements. Spencer meets with his farm manager monthly and the manager loops him in as needed on decisions like booking inputs, many of which Spencer said. By: 4R Plus April 2020. , an. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses;. By implementing 4R nutrient stewardship practices, you optimize the nutrients you apply to maximize plant uptake and minimize field losses. Contact 4R Plus. 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. 4R Plus Farmer’s Focus: Keep Soil From Moving Adam Nechanicky farms in Tama County. Joined:What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. Two and a half weeks start to finish was a quick harvest season for Kossuth County farmers Matt and Nancy Bormann. 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. The goal is to achieve a more productive crop now and in the future. Photo: Joseph L. As with any change in management, challenges occur when trying new soil health practices. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309; Phone: (515) 244-5044. Improving the health of our soil and protecting water quality is important to the well-being of Iowa agriculture. In 2020, Carter faced drought and derecho crop-related damage. June 28, 2022, 10:50 am | J. 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. The 4R Plus program, the Nutrient Reduction Strategy, cover crops, and so on. 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. But a history of conservation practices that keep his soil protected gives him some peace of mind. He farms in Washington County, one of the few Iowa counties not dealing with drought conditions on a regular basis in 2021. We’re put here to take care of the animals and the land. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses;. 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. 4R Plus practices will help safeguard and improve the health of Iowa soil and water for generations to come. 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). 4R is a sustainable farming practice that focuses on producing food in a way that is both environmentally friendly and economically viable. On the mostly flat landscape, the fifth-generation farmer now grows Iowa farmer adds soil. Once you start, you’ll wish you had started no-till sooner. We want to get a root. Asking “Was the crop given the right source at the. 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. Variable-rate application of nutrients. 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. To mitigate soil loss, Cruse stresses the importance of keeping soil covered. Darin Stolte from Jones County, Iowa, is a 2016 4R Grower Advocate winner. m. This is where he’s focused on finding solutions to integrate his crop and livestock systems, improve the soil and. 4R Plus has developed a video to help farmers and other stakeholders understand the goals of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. That combination of conservation and management practices, along with cover crops, has drastically improved the moisture-holding capacity of their soils. We can do better with more accurate 4R practices. If you were not hit by drought, you were hit by a derecho. Anaerobic digesters also digest organic materials to produce methane, but Sievers explains they take things a step further, harnessing the methane. Conclusion: The PACC provides consensus guidance on best practices of trialing for IDDS implants. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses;. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. The second-year canes are called floricanes. Managing plant nutrition according to principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship includes accountability for all three dimensions of sustainability. • Tuesday, Jan. “I can’t afford to keep pouring inputs into the acres that pull productivity down,” he said. ” “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. 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. The following list is a small sample of events that relate to 4R Plus practices in Iowa. Learn about each of the 4Rs and why it’s important to have a nutrient plan. No farm is the same, so talk to your crop adviser, conservation district representative or Natural Resources Conservation Service expert about the 4R Plus practices. 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. Reason: Farmers need a compelling reason before they decide to implement the 4Rs on their farms. ” After just two years of using strip till and cover crops, Stolte is a firm believer in an integrated 4R Plus approach. The 4Rs imply there are four aspects to every fertilizer application and it provides a framework to assess whether a given crop has access to the necessary nutrients. 4R Nutrient Stewardship is a science-based framework that promotes economic, social, and environmental sustainability on the farm by considering collectively the source, rate, time, and place practices for fertilizer and other crop nutrients. Regarding soil health, Russell says there’s a Plus Side to his 4R Plus system. Variable weather is one of the reasons he uses 4R Plus practices – to weatherproof soil. Too many farms are now applying the same rate of N nutrients per crop across every acre. 4R Plus Practices Used. By: 4R Plus March 2019. In addition, the study of Roberts and Johnston (2015) found out that 4R nutrient management practices can reduce PO 4 3− emission by 80%. Contact Us. 1a . Not surprisingly, farmers with more positive attitudes toward the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy were more likely to have used many of the practices. 4R Plus systems may include:He has a long history of protecting the soil from erosion by using 4R Plus practices like no-till and cover crops. The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) awarded five farmer and retailer pairs as the 4R Advocates during an awards ceremony in Orlando, Fla. Farmers who spoke with the Manitoba Co-operator said most are already using 4R principles to some degree, even if not formally recognized. Nitrate (NO 3 −) leaching has negative human and environmental health consequences that can be attributed to and mitigated by agricultural decision making. There are 4R Plus practices that can be implemented on virtually any farm regardless of topography, such as 4R nutrient stewardship practices, cover crops and reduced tillage. Give-and-take needed to partner on 4R Plus practices. 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. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. What You Need to Know About Implementing a Cover Crops Strategy. Photo: Lynn Betts. He’s using anaerobic digesters to reduce greenhouse gas. 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. This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Dustin Hoffmann - October 19, 2020 9:40 am. Increase perennials in row crop rotations to reduce both drainage flow and nitrate loads. Farmers seeing positive impacts from 4R Plus practices. More importantly, many farmers reported using one or more of the main practices that 4R Plus promotes. On May 19, 2020, Nancy Bormann, a farmer from Kossuth County, told Dustin Hoffman, a farm broadcaster with the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network, that changing your mindset is the biggest obstacle to adding a new 4R Plus 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. Photo courtesy of 4R Plus. 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. Iowa farmers’ adoption of conservation practices varied among cropping districts, which controlled for variance in practice utility due to landscape variability. For example, let's say that you went short at the arrow on this chart. In the interview, Bormann said when they began reducing tillage, their goal was to save some money and time. 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. 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. 13, 2020, Audubon County, Iowa, farmer Doug Carter explained to Dustin Hoffman, a farmer broadcaster with the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network, how 4R Plus practices like cover crops benefit the soil during a challenging year. 4R. Questions examined farmers’ awareness of the 4R Plus program, the potential influence of promotional efforts on their decisions to use practices, and their PDF | On Sep 5, 2023, S. Mollie Aronowitz is the director of sustainability and a land manager for Peoples Company. Floyd County farmer Wayne Koehler’s 4R Plus journey started with a desire to diversify his crop rotation and minimize expenses. 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. This is embodied in Nutrient Stewardship addressing the right fertilizer source, at the right rate, the right time, and in the right place ( IFA, 2007 ; Lassaletta et al. Photo: Clay Masters/Iowa Public Radio. 4R Plus makes agronomic and economic sense. 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 ®. The functionality and necessity of fertilizers are confused with other “chemicals,” such as pesticides and herbicides. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. With goals to stop erosion, build organic matter and improve soil structure, he. 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. 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. the role of psychological evaluation. 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. (The information above is adapted from 4R Plant Nutrition. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. With more than 40 speakers, there was a lot of information to take in. The annual survey of Iowa farmers is the longest-running survey of its kind. A large portion of the additional 5-million-pound reduction in nitrogen loads can be achieved with implementation of 4R nutrient stewardship practices. The 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship. 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. 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. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309; Phone: (515) 244-5044. Summer 2019: 4R Plus Practices Have Cumulative Effect. Choose the 4R Plus Practices that Best Fit Your Farm. 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. 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. He missed the very worst of the derecho, but was in the bull’s eye of severe drought for much of the growing season. 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 and Conservation Practices Based on All Iowa Landscapes. While I’m just in my early ’30s, I only have 40 attempts to grow a crop in my lifetime. 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. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. 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. 4R Plus involves using precise 4R nutrient stewardship along with conservation practices like cover crops and no-till to. Learn about the agronomic, conservation and land management practices that can work in every region of the state. 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. These 4R Plus practices can improve soil health, crop yields and water quality. Canola 4R Advantage encourages farmers to initiate or advance 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices when growing canola. 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. 30, 11:15 a. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. In the interview, Swanson said the people of Iowa can rest assured his operation is doing what it can to be responsible. Photo courtesy of The nature Conservancy. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des. We’re put here to take care of the animals and the land. Rick Cruse, Ph. 4R Plus is a nutrient management and conservation program to better inform farmers. “No-till allows moisture to infiltrate much better than tilled soil because the soil isn’t. 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. Increase perennials in row crop rotations to reduce both drainage flow and nitrate loads. On April 3, 2020, Wright County, Iowa, farmer Stu Swanson told Dustin Hoffman, a farm broadcaster with the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network, about the positive results he sees using 4R Plus practices. , survey of its. Saturated fields are a frustration to farmers that want to complete this. The program is guided by a coalition of more than 50 organizations, including agribusinesses, conservation organizations, commodity and trade associations,. Murphy/Iowa Soybean Association. It's easy to spot a close beyond a moving average, so there's no room for overthinking or interpretation. Testing soil on a regular basis and using these indicators can help you best manage your crop and soil. Farmers across Iowa are implementing 4R Plus practices to help ensure better soil health, higher productivity and cleaner water. We are proud of this effort and impressed by the many stories farmers share about how adopting 4R Plus practices have not only improved soil health.