By Brian Dougherty–Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinar that took place Sept. 14 at noon CDT featured Brian Dougherty, field agricultural engineer with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Dougherty’s research and outreach focuses on the effects of cropping systems and management practices on soil health and water quality.
Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program.
In the webinar, “Improving Manure Management to Maximize Agronomic and Environmental Outcomes,” Dougherty discussed the results from a five-year study that assessed the effect of manure application timing, fall cereal rye cover crops, and utilization of nitrification inhibitors on water quality and crop yields. He will also explored some best management practices in relation to maximizing the value of manure nutrients while minimizing environmental losses.
“As we approach harvest season for most row crops, planning for fall cover crop establishment and fall or winter manure application should be underway now,” said Dougherty: “This is the time to review the latest research on application timing, use of nitrification inhibitors, and practices that will keep nutrients in the fields where they deliver the most value. I am hopeful that participants in this webinar will gain in their appreciation for the impacts management decisions regarding manure application timing will have on agronomic and environmental outcomes.”
Webinar access instructions
The webinar was recorded and archived on the ILF website so that it can be watched at any time.
Upcoming webinars in the series
- Sept. 21: Trisha Moore, Kansas State University.
- Sept. 28: D. Raj Raman, Iowa State University.
- Oct. 5: Vinayak Shedekar, Ohio State University.
- Oct. 12: Laura Alt, Iowa State University.