Improving Soil

Improving Soil Through Nitrogen Reduction and Conservation Practices

Wednesday, July 24 | 2-4 p.m.

Location

3386 Hickory Ave. | Osage, IA 50461

Host

Alec & Rachel Amundson

Alec and Rachel Amundson operate a 100% cover cropped, no-till corn and soybean farm spanning 2,400 acres in Mitchell County, Iowa. In 2018, they started experimenting with cover crops on a small number of acres. Since then, they have found new rotation options that work for them, including diversified rotations, alternative crops and managing inputs such as variable-rate fertilizer and seed.

In 2020, Alec and Rachel started participating in PFI’s Cooperators’ Program to answer questions about their farm through on-farm research. One recent trial explored the impact of reducing nitrogen. With guidance and tips from other farmers, they have made adjustments to in-field and edge-of-field practices that benefit the their farm’s soil and water quality. Join Alec and Rachel for a lively discussion and tour of their cropping and edge-of-field conservation practices.

Meal

Light refreshments will be provided during the field day.

See & Discuss

Relay intercropping cereal rye and soybeans
No-till corn and soybean production with covers
Use of a bioreactor and the Conservation Reserve Program
Fixing nitrogen by interseeding red clover into small grains
Results of a nitrogen reduction on-farm research project through PFI’s Cooperators’ Program
Using cover crops to improve water quality in the Rock Creek Watershed