The Iowa Manure Management Action Group (IMMAG) at Iowa State University (ISU) says livestock producers and service providers will be introduced to Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2) and the Iowa Phosphorus Index, and receive training on the use of the RUSLE2 software during a workshop on April 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.at the ISU Extension and Outreach Polk County office.

Participants will learn how to use RUSLE2 in nutrient management, manure management and comprehensive nutrient management plans. The workshop is an introductory level, hands-on orientation to software and accompanying database installation, determining dominant critical area, sheet and rill erosion, operating various components of the "Profile Version" of RUSLE2, management operations and setting up crop rotations. Workshop discussions will cover ephemeral erosion, gully erosion, Iowa Phosphorus Index and its use in Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manure management plans.

“Livestock producers and consultants who are required to use RULSE2 and P-Index calculations when developing and updating four-year manure management plans will find this workshop very educational,” says Angie Rieck-Hinz, ISU Extension program specialist. “The session incorporates an introduction to using RULSE2 software with conservation planning and resource management.”

The cost of the workshop is $200 if registered on or before March 30; $225 if registered after March 30. The fee includes workshop materials, refreshments and lunch. Because software will be provided, participants are required to bring a MS Windows-compatible laptop equipped with a CD-ROM drive and Microsoft Excel software. Participants must have the administrator password to the computer in order to install software provided. The workshop is limited to 30 participants.

Online registration, program information and directions to the workshop are available at http://www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/introrusle2/register.html.  The workshop will qualify for six Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credits (5SW, 1NM) and three Professional Development Hours (PDH). Participation certificates will be provided. Questions regarding the workshop should be directed to Rieck-Hinz at 515-294-9590. The workshop is conducted by ISU Extension and Outreach and the IMMAG, in collaboration with the Iowa USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service.