Farmers wishing to maximize the profits from their fertilizer dollars will want to attend one of 15 in-person workshops or a virtual workshop hosted by Iowa State University. The workshop series, called Soil Testing Interpretations and Recommendations: Maximizing Return on Investment, will be held in February and March.

This series will address the profitable management of soil fertility in Iowa, as conditions continue to change with increased fertilizer input costs and a rising demand for nutrients from higher-yielding crops.

The nearest workshop will be held in Grundy Center on Feb. 23, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Grundy Center Community Center. Call 319-824-6979 to register by Feb. 16.

“These workshops will lead farmers through the basics of soil testing, analytical tests, calculating crop nutrient removal, understanding return on investment from fertilizer applications, how crop response correlates to soil test levels and what is known about crop response to micronutrients,” says Josh Michel, field agronomist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

The workshops are designed to help farmers understand their current soil nutrient situation, the amount their crops are using in a growing season and what needs to be added.

“While many decisions have already been made for the 2022 growing season,” said Virgil Schmitt, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach, “fertility decisions will continue to evolve with changes in fertilizer prices and land tenure.”

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Registration is $40, and includes publications, copies of presentations, and any refreshments or meal (if provided for in-person meetings). Registrants should contact the extension office listed below to register for the workshop they plan to attend. Registration fees for in-person workshops may be paid in advance or the day of the program.

In-person workshop dates, times and locations are listed below. Register with the appropriate ISU Extension and Outreach county office.

Participants who register and pay the registration fee by Feb. 15 will receive a mailed copy of supporting materials for the program prior to Feb. 22. Participants who register, but whose payment is received after Feb. 15, will receive electronic copies of the supporting materials.

For additional information or if you have questions, contact your local extension field agronomist.