Article. Floyd County farmer Wayne Koehler’s 4R Plus journey started with a desire to diversify his crop rotation and minimize expenses. All of these principles are interrelated and must be considered together. Richmond provided leadership in drafting the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Two and a half weeks start to finish was a quick harvest season for Kossuth County farmers Matt and Nancy Bormann. 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). He farms with his parents and sister in Washington County, which was hammered with rain early in the season. The soil health movement piqued his interest about the same time commodity prices were in the doldrums. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses;. To achieve those goals, the 4R concept incorporates the: Right fertilizer source at the. Clicking on a practice takes you to an NRCS page with details. What You Need to Know About Implementing a Cover Crops Strategy. No-till stops. January 23, 2019. 2017), or several of the practices that comprise the 4R Plus suite of practices, such as. “The quickest way to improve soil structure is to stop heavy tillage. Farmers who spoke with the Manitoba Co-operator said most are already using 4R principles to some degree, even if not formally recognized. On the mostly flat landscape, the fifth-generation farmer now grows corn, soybeans, hay, rye and oats. A little more than half a pound of nitrogen is removed in each bushel of corn harvested. A 4R plan is one of the requirements when applying. Rains were still 6 to 9 inches behind. AMES, Iowa – A recent report from the Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll at Iowa State University indicates that a major nutrient. Improving soils is a long-term commitment according to Audubon County farmer Doug Carter. During an average year, denitrification occurs at a rate of about 30 pounds per acre. By: 4R Plus. On the mostly flat landscape, Kossuth County’s Matt and Nancy Bormann have peace of mind knowing the land is prepped for spring planting. 4R Plus Supporters. That combination of conservation and management practices, along with cover crops, has drastically improved the moisture-holding capacity of their soils. The 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship. By implementing 4R nutrient stewardship practices, you optimize the nutrients you apply to maximize plant uptake and minimize field losses. Farmers across Iowa are implementing 4R Plus practices to help ensure better soil health, higher productivity and cleaner water. Testing soil on a regular basis and using these indicators can help you best manage your crop and soil. 4R Plus Practices for All Iowa Landscapes. So, 4R practices also apply to organic farming. National projects help amplify the importance of applying 4R Nutrient Stewardship to. Fertilizers are seen as “chemicals,” and indeed, human-made chemicals do not have the best reputation. By: 4R Plus August 2018. Photo: Iowa Corn. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. The progress of 4R Plus practices in Iowa. Since launching in February, we have remained focused on the goal of spreading the 4R Plus message. Best Management Practice to Reduce Nitrogen Losses from Drained Cropland. Sep 2023; Suraj Upadhaya; J. ” More farmers must add 4R Plus The 4R Plus program is a stewardship effort using the right source of fertilizer, applied at the right rate, at the right time, in the right place. 4R Advocates and other farmers have. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des. On the steep hills of Harrison and Monona counties, Curt Mether has a cropping system that has stood the test of time. The use of a single 4R Plus practice, such as cover crops (Roesch-McNally et al. 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. With more than 40 speakers, there was a lot of information to take in. 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. To learn more about 4R Plus, please visit If you are a landowner ready to invest in your soil health and partner with an innovative Land Management Company, let an experienced. He’s using anaerobic digesters to reduce greenhouse gas. Improving soils is a long-term commitment according to Audubon County farmer Doug Carter. Decent soil moisture levels – combined with fine. 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Contact 4R Plus. 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. Smith says the NRCS office is a great resource. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. 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. One of the other major benefits of 4R Plus soil conservation practices is the improvement in soil structure. 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. Learn more about the "Plus Side" of conservation practices that result in healthier soil that is more productive. 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. He incorporated the 4Rs. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. 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. 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Contact 4R Plus. "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. Performance levels also allow growers to qualify their nutrient management practices as 4R consistent and consequently sustainable against an independent standard. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des. 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:He has a long history of protecting the soil from erosion by using 4R Plus practices like no-till and cover crops. Recker is an advocate for 4R Plus practices like no-till and cover crops. These practices help your soil remain productive, even under variable weather conditions. By implementing 4R nutrient stewardship practices, you optimize the nutrients you apply to maximize plant uptake and minimize field losses. Emily Doyle, a precision ag specialist, says soil testing makes economic sense. If it was built on one of the affected chassis, have it inspected asThe 4R Advocate program is one of many facets of a high-priority campaign to raise awareness and adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices. sity to adopt multiple practices that make up the 4R Plus framework. A long history of tillage on the farm caused Tim Recker from Fayette County, Iowa, to wonder if he was doing what was right for the long-term health of his soil. After years of adding 4R Plus practices to improve soil structure, he’s more confident about pushing the front end of the planting window. By: 4R Plus May 2020. These practices help your soil remain productive, especially under variable weather. In December 2020, the federal government set a voluntary national fertilizer emissions reduction target of 30 per cent below 2020 levels by 2030. He could have started planting corn and soybeans sooner than he did, but he decided to take advantage of a favorable weather forecast to. But then the spigot turned off and temperatures soared during the grain fill period. (The information above is adapted from 4R Plant Nutrition. by Greg Wandrey, Iowa agriculture program director, The Nature Conservancy and 4R Plus program coordinator June 2018. 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. Opinion research conducted earlier this year found that economics were the major driver in this decision process. When you improve soil health, you enhance crop growth and increase soil productivity, which can boost your yield potential and return on investment. 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 Fertilizer Institute (TFI) awarded five farmer and retailer pairs as the 4R Advocates during an awards ceremony in Orlando, Fla. The goal of the report is to provide insight on how farmers in our program have successfully implemented conservation practice on their farms. Anaerobic digesters also digest organic materials to produce methane, but Sievers explains they take things a step further, harnessing the methane. Economic: Helping smallholder farmers grow more nutritious and marketable crops, increase revenues, productivity and profit margins. TRDLE New Member. By: 4R Plus April 2020. 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. PDF | On Sep 5, 2023, S. 4R Plus is a whole system approach, incorporating practices that help to improve habitat, soil health and drainage management. 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. New Horizons for Conservation in Agriculture. 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. By: 4R Plus December 2019. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. Harder said he has about a third of his fields soil-sampled. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. 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 rate He also believes 4R Plus practices used on the farm help keep soil productive. 4R Plus practices are more effective when they are targeted in areas with the greatest runoff, nutrient loss and soil. 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 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. “Delaware Nutrient Management Commission [DNMC]. Schaaf is a firm believer that improving soil productivity is critical to producing more food. 4R Plus practices put to use in rented-land discussions. 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. “Nitrogen has never been free or cheap. 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. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309; Phone: (515) 244-5044. 2017), or several of the practices that comprise the 4R Plus suite of practices, such as. There’s no one-size-fits-all. The materials can be downloaded and shared to accelerate adoption of the practices that benefit our farms, our soils and our waters. Be a 4R Farmer. 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. City or town, state, and ZIP code. present participle of trial 2. 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. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. These 4R Plus practices can improve soil health, crop yields and water quality. management practices based on principles of the 4Rs. The term “4R” refers to use of the right source, right rate, right time, and right place in nutrient management. , Room 311 WHAT WHERE WHO LEARN MORE Watch this video to learn how the 4R Plus approach makes the most of your most valuable asset, the soil beneath your. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses;. m. 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. 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. or improving soil. Other 4R Plus Resources. The annual survey of Iowa farmers is the longest-running survey of its kind. Advances in farm technology, rising input costs, the hot land market and the Biden administration’s focus on climate change are making 4R Plus practices like cover crops and no-till a more feasible and attractive option for producers. Summer 2019: Improving Soil Structure Allowed for Timely Planting. Increase perennials in row crop rotations to reduce both drainage flow and nitrate loads. 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. To qualify for the incentives, farmers must have a 4R nutrient stewardship plan that has been certified by a certified crop advisor or. Harder said he has about a third of his fields soil-sampled. Learn about each of the 4Rs and why it’s important to have a nutrient plan. Consider economic, environmental, and social impacts. 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. 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. The value of 4R practices are more evident each year. In many cases, that future is already underway. The implementation of the 4Rs is knowledge-intensive and site-specific. For more information on soil health. Right rate, at the. Improve nitrogen management using 4R nutrient stewardship practices. Need help navigating conversations about adding 4R Plus practices like cover crops or changing tillage practices on rented land? Check out the resources compiled by Iowa Corn to help guide. 4R Plus. Improving soils is a long-term commitment according to Audubon County farmer Doug Carter. Together, 4R nutrient stewardship and conservation practices can help farmers achieve healthier soils and ultimately a more productive crop now and in the future. All of these principles are interrelated and must be considered together. 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. Mark Licht is an Extension cropping system specialist with Iowa State University. With 60% of his corn crop harvested as of late October, Launstein was averaging around 245 bushels per acre. D. m. With more than 40 speakers, there was a lot of information to take in. 4R Plus Farmer’s Focus: Keep Soil From Moving Adam Nechanicky farms in Tama County. To become a part of the 4R program, farmers have to work with a 4R designated agronomist. 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. A year after launching, the 4R Plus program continues to add to the resources available to Iowa farmers and agriculture professionals. Black Hawk County farmer Nick Meier is actively involved in Miller Creek watershed activities because he’s interested in the on- and off-farm benefits of 4R Plus. “There are several different programs and also incentives for certain watersheds. 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; 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. 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. 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. Learn more. The 4Rs focus on nutrient application, which is an excellent place to start, because getting applied nutrients recovered by crops is fundamental to. ”. Not surprisingly, farmers with more positive attitudes toward the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy were more likely to have used many of the practices. Soil erosion in Iowa is occurring about 10 times faster than soil is being renewed, says Rick Cruse, Ph. 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. Learn about the 4R Plus practices he uses and how they have improved profitability on his farm. The “Plus” in 4R Plus refers to conservation practices that increase the resiliency of your soil, reduce erosion and improve water quality. 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. PB. With goals to stop erosion, build organic matter and improve soil structure, he. On Oct. Increase perennials in row crop rotations to reduce both drainage flow and nitrate loads. While industry and conservation organizations are. A 4R Nutrient Stewardship Plan tracks and records all crop management practices, including details on the source, rate, time, and place of every. Success with 4R Plus practices optimized with a targeted approach. “Nitrogen has never been free or cheap. 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. 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. , 2017). 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. 4R Plus involves using precise 4R nutrient management along with conservation practices to enhance soil health and improve water quality. 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. “I watched – and still do – a lot of videos, especially during the winter,” Schnell said. The crop caught a nice 2-inch rain in August that was “probably a lifesaver,” he said. To mitigate soil loss, Cruse stresses the importance of keeping soil covered. 4R Plus Soil Health & Conservation Practices Today, the business case for healthy soils is stronger than ever. 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 shares the multiple Plus Side benefits he has discovered – like improved plant health – transitioning tillage practices and. “I’m convinced tillage is hard on the soil and impacts crops the entire growing season,” he added. Informa PLC | ABOUT US | INVESTOR RELATIONS | TALENT. By: 4R Plus September 2020. To improve sustainability, many crop management practices beyond crop nutrition become important. Soil erosion in Iowa is occurring about 10 times faster than soil is being renewed, says Rick Cruse, Ph. “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. Upadhaya and others published Individual- and county-level factors associated with farmers’ use of 4R Plus nutrient management practices | Find,. Examples: Practices like no-till mean fewer trips across the field. The second-year canes are called floricanes. “Now that watershed coordinators know where these six conservation practices are established, they can better locate where new conservation practices are needed,” Schnieders said. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309; Phone: (515) 244-5044. Anaerobic digesters also digest organic materials to produce methane, but Sievers explains they take things a step further, harnessing the methane. Saturated fields are a frustration to farmers that want to complete this. By: 4R Plus November 2019. Former USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack (far right) learns about Meier’s bioreactor. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. 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. 30, starting at 11:15 a. Working Smarter, Not Harder, to Reap Benefits of Soil Conservation Practices in North-Central Iowa. Base Plus +G4 . 4R Plus is a nutrient management and conservation program to better inform farmers. 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. Ryan Kay is a farm manager with Hertz Farm Management, Inc. Photo: Joseph L. The soil health movement spurred Floyd County farmer Wayne Koehler’s interest to add 4R Plus practices. Cows and cover crops are helping produce a renewable fuel source on Bryan Sievers’s Scott County, Iowa, farm. Managing plant nutrition according to principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship includes accountability for all three dimensions of sustainability. Also on the 4R Plus website, see the Conservation Practices page for a description of the suite of practices that farmers can implement on their farms. Rick Cruse, Ph. He’s battled excess moisture at planting three years running on his southeast Iowa farm, but by late July, the crops needed a drink. Jack Boyer, who farms in Black Hawk, Grundy and Tama counties in northeast Iowa, sees differences in crop stress between fields, soil blowing away and water runoff. Asking “Was the crop given the right source at the. He learned a lot about the soil this year and made adjustments to his plans along the way. They also maintain terraces, waterways, and buffer strips, and they have restored wetlands and added ponds to expand the quail habitat. The 2021 growing season produced some of the highest soybean yields Michael Vittetoe has ever seen. Implement the 4Rs. With interest confirmed, the Multi-Cropping Iowa initiative was born. 4R Plus involves using precise 4R nutrient management along with conservation practices to enhance soil health and improve water quality. Conclusion: The PACC provides consensus guidance on best practices of trialing for IDDS implants. There are 4R Plus practices that can be implemented on virtually any farm regardless of topography. But he’s always looking for areas to improve. Raspberry plants produce a number of new canes, known as primocanes, each year. Farmers with vastly different topography benefit from no-till and nutrient management practices. D. Both ultimately impacted his yields, but he believes 4R Plus practices helped. “I got started with cover crops as part of our seed corn production,” said the Field to Market 2020 National Farmer of the Year. 4R Nutrient Stewardship provides a framework to achieve cropping system goals, such as increased production, increased farmer profitability, enhanced environmental protection and improved sustainability. Stay Up-To-Date on Soil HealthBy: 4R Plus June 2020. While Julie Kenney uses her role as Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture to encourage farmers to utilize 4R Plus practices to improve soil health and water quality, her husband Mark, a fifth generation corn and soybean farmer in Story County, implements. 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. We want to demonstrate this to the world, by getting Canadian agri. He also relies on data to confirm his efforts with multiple 4R Plus practices to improve soil structure, weed control and fertility management, just to name a few. 4R Plus followed four farmers from various parts of Iowa through the 2020 growing season to learn how nutrient stewardship benefited their farms. To gain more knowledge, he joined the virtual community of farmers sharing how they implement 4R Plus practices. The Heckman family assess conservation practices that bring benefits to their farm. Strategies. 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. 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 vitalImportance of the “Plus” conservation practices. (The information above is adapted from 4R Plant Nutrition. 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. Related posts. Account for nutrient credits from previous year to determine rate. “When we are scouting fields, we have observed that where we terminated cover crops. It is an integrated system for. Jones County, Iowa, farmer Darin Stolte is passionate about nutrient stewardship. While I’m just in my early ’30s, I only have 40 attempts to grow a crop in my lifetime. 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. Canada’s diverse soils have helped to shape current farm practices. Also on the 4R Plus website, see the Conservation Practices page for a. 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. 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. 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. OMB No. The program is guided by a coalition of more than 50 organizations, including agribusinesses, conservation organizations, commodity and trade associations,. Nieuwenhuis has seen organic matter increase dramatically after switching to one-pass vertical tillage. It's easy to spot a close beyond a moving average, so there's no room for overthinking or interpretation. ) The agronomist helps the farmer construct a specific 4R nutrient management plan to make sure acres can be considered 4R. 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. Photo: Lynn Betts. 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. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309; Phone: (515) 244-5044. Farm Progress is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC. A good place to start is conservation. Gordon Arbuckle Jr. Utilizing the 4R Plus approach of precise nutrient management and conservation practices provides. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA. Feb 14, 2022 at 12:41 PM #9 #9. 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. 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. Purpose. Jackson is a corn and soybean farmer in Mahaska County, 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. 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. 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. 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. Regularly testing tile lines. Plant cover crops to take up water and nutrients from the soil. 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. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses; 4R Practices Videos; 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Supporter Resources; Contact 4R Plus. 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. Iowa Corn is hosting a panel discussion at the Iowa Power Farming Show January 29 and 30, 2019. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA. By: 4R Plus March 2019. Field zone mapping consulting services for variable-rate nitrogen applications. 4R Plus Supporter Portal. county-level social, economic, and ecological factors associated with 4R Plus practice adop-tion. On the steep hills of Harrison and Monona counties, Curt Mether has a cropping system that has stood the test of time. Regarding soil health, Russell says there’s a Plus Side to his 4R Plus system. Iowa Farmer Reports; CCA Courses;. “The structure of the soil is better. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des. In an anaerobic digester, manure is combined in the digester. By: 4R Plus February 2019. Choose the 4R Plus Practices that Best Fit Your Farm. More than half of practice users reported that the practices they had adopted had resulted in positive impacts on soil health indicators and key agronomic outcomes including soil organic matter, water holding capacity and crop yields. The program is guided by a coalition of more than 50 organizations, including agribusinesses, conservation organizations, commodity and trade associations, government agencies. By AgWeb Guest Editor May 28, 2019. “The 4R Plus approach takes the 4R effort a step further with the use of conservation and soil health practices. Importance of the “Plus” conservation practices 4R nutrient management and loss reduction are more important than ever. What is 4R Plus? Benefits of Adopting 4R Plus Practices; 4R's of Nutrient Management; Soil Conservation Methods; 4R Resources. “We want to keep the ground productive and maintain its value as cropland. In 2020, Carter faced drought and derecho crop-related damage. 4R nutrient stewardship involves best management practices (BMPs) that optimize the efficiency of fertilizer use. Address: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa 505 5th Ave #930, Des Moines, IA 50309; Phone: (515) 244-5044. By implementing 4R nutrient stewardship practices, you optimize the nutrients you apply to maximize plant uptake and minimize field losses. Variable weather is one of the reasons he uses 4R Plus practices – to weatherproof soil. The "Plus" refers to conservation practices that can boost production, increase soil resiliency, reduce erosion and runoff, and improve water quality. D. We’re put here to take care of the animals and the land. Photo courtesy of The nature Conservancy. By implementing 4R nutrient stewardship practices, you optimize the nutrients you apply to maximize plant uptake and minimize field losses. The goal is to achieve a more productive crop now and in the future. 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. 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. 5% in 2021, the first substantial increase since 2013, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. While industry and conservation organizations are. The 4Rs play irreplaceable roles in sustainability of the economy, society, and environment. 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. This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Introduction to 4R Nutrient Stewardship Practices. Cover crop growing in field of no-till corn. (A farmer cannot get acres counted on their own. Spencer meets with his farm manager monthly and the manager loops him in as needed on decisions like booking inputs, many of which. S. ” Whether it’s the nutrient source, rate, time or. “We plan to plant some of those acres yet this spring, especially in areas that aren’t as well drained. This fifth-generation farmer uses soil conservation practices to improve. Encouraging 4R Plus Practices on Rented Farmland. 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. Watch on. 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. 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. The 4R's stand for right source, right rate, right time, and right place and serve to guide farmers to the management practices that help keep nutrients on and in the field. 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. With 60% of his corn crop harvested as of late October, Launstein was averaging around 245 bushels per acre. Once farmers have taken the steps required to complete a 4R plan, the. Right time and in the. Because of the long harvest season last fall, some of their planned cover crop acres did not get seeded. 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. He has been no-tilling for more than 20 years and started planting cover crops on as many acres as possible six years ago. Plus, strip tillage rates have been cut to 75 percent of broadcast rates, an approximate $12 per acre savings. 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. He said farmers were accustomed to talking to their retailer about product features and pricing but weren’t used to talking to them about conservation. In 2020, they also benefited from a favorable stretch of weather to get their. The 4R approach to agricultural nutrient management aims to ensure use of the “right source. 4R Nutrient Stewardship provides a framework to achieve cropping system goals, such as increased production, increased farmer profitability, enhanced environmental protection and improved sustainability. By: 4R Plus August 2020. Mitchell Hora says 4R Plus practices are critical to the longevity of his farm. More importantly, many farmers reported using one or more of the main practices that 4R Plus promotes. 4R Practices Guides; Farmer Blog; Contact 4R Plus. A long history of tillage on the farm caused Tim Recker from Fayette County, Iowa, to wonder if he was doing what was right for the long-term health of his soil. 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. , an. The 2018 4R Summit was held in Des Moines in June 2018. Right time and in the. The materials can be downloaded and shared to accelerate adoption of the practices that benefit our farms, our soils and our waters. Along with her husband, Brandon, the Doyles use an integrated 4R Plus approach on their Tama County farm. Summer 2019: 4R Plus Practices Have Cumulative Effect. “CF Industries, along with The Nature Conservancy, came together with a vision for a program that would empower. Despite less-than-ideal weather so far this growing season, he’s optimistic. Cost Share Options. Now the soybeans are no-tilled, and for the first time this spring, some of their corn was planted into. up the 4R Plus framework. , director of the Iowa Water Center, encourages Iowa farmers to use 4R Plus practices to protect yields. Learn about the 4R Plus practices you can utilize on your farm to help reach the goals of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Hickey explains that soil health and water quality start with the management. 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 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. Collectively these conservation and stewardship practices are designed to help achieve healthier soils which produce higher yields now and in the future. For example, if there is superelevation and widening, use guidance and recommended practices for "Minor Horizontal/Vertical Alignment Adjustments" category.