Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in collaboration with the Iowa U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service, has scheduled a workshop to train livestock producers and service providers on how to use the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2) and the Iowa Phosphorus Index for use in nutrient management and manure management plans.

The workshop will be held on Dec. 18 at the Polk County Extension Office in Altoona, IA. This introductory level workshop is a hands-on software orientation workshop. The orientation includes an introduction to the operating parameters, selection of input values, and developing and saving management operations for RUSLE2. In addition, real field examples will be used in the workshop to determine risk calculations of the Iowa Phosphorus Index and how to incorporate these numbers into manure and nutrient management planning requirements. Soil sampling requirements, common errors and the Department of Natural Resources’ review process will also be discussed.

The cost of the workshop is $200 if registered on or prior to Dec. 12; $225 after that. The workshop fee includes handout materials, a CD with software, refreshments and lunch. Because software will be provided, participants are required to bring an MS Windows compatible laptop equipped with a CD-ROM drive and Microsoft Excel Software and the administrator password to the computer in order to install software. The workshop is limited to 30 participants and walk-in attendees are not allowed. Certified Crop Advisor Credits (5SW, 1 NM) are available for this workshop.

Online registration, program information and directions to the workshop are available at www.extension.iastate.edu/registration/events/conferences/rusle2.