The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff program along with the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA) and Illinois Certified Crop Advisers (ILCCA) are hosting free webinars this month focused on the latest research and management of phosphorus.
“Rethinking Phosphorus Management” consists of three soybean checkoff-funded webinars, held from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, March 15, 22 and 29. Each webinar features experts highlighting research and best management practices for reducing phosphorus loss throughout the state.
“To meet the goals of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, the entire Illinois ag industry is working together to help famers learn about best management practices to make better use of crop nutrients,” says Tom Kentner, soybean farmer from Vermilion County and ISA director. “Effective nutrient management is key to achieving high yields while minimizing negative effects on our state’s precious waterways.”
Tuesday, March 15 Noon – 1 p.m.
Don’t be a Black-Eyed P: How to Reduce P Loss from Fields
Laura Christianson, Ph.D., University of Illinois Department of Crop Sciences assistant professor of water quality, discusses a recent meta-analysis on P transported by drainage water, how P moves from fields and options to reduce P losses to downstream waters.
Tuesday, March 22 Noon – 1 p.m.
Sustainable Thinking 4R Phosphorus
Tom Bruulsema, Ph.D., International Plant Nutrition Institute phosphorus program director, describes how the 4Rs—right source, right rate, right time and right place—help maintain soil available phosphorus while reducing losses.
Tuesday, March 29 Noon – 1 p.m.
Fertilizer Management Practices to Reduce Loss of Dissolved and Sediment-Bound P
Antonio Mallarino, Ph.D., Iowa State University professor of soil fertility and nutrient management and Extension specialist, highlights field research results that show how cost-effective phosphorus fertilizer and manure management practices optimize corn and soybean yield and minimize the risk of loss of dissolved and soil-bound phosphorus.
Each webinar will offer one continuing education unit (CEU) in nutrient management. All webinars will be moderated by Pete Fandel, Illinois Central College associate professor of agriculture and Illinois Council on Best Management Practices (CBMP) cover crop specialist.
“We urge ag retailers and crop advisers to participate in these free webinars,” says IFCA President Jean Payne. “This timely information can help guide decision making with your farmer customers to improve nutrient utilization and minimize nutrient loss.”
For more information or to register, visit https://www.ilsoy.org/sustainability/p-symposium.
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) represents more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois through the state soybean checkoff and membership efforts. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and profitability research, promotion, issues management and analysis, communications and education. Membership and advocacy efforts support Illinois soybean farmer interests in local areas, Springfield and Washington, D.C. ISA programs are designed to ensure Illinois soy is the highest quality, most dependable, sustainable and competitive in the global marketplace. For more information, visit www.ilsoy.org.
