What is the Phosphorus Index?

Excess phosphorus in lakes and streams can cause algae blooms and low water quality. Often, excess P entering surface water comes primarily from certain sites in a watershed. At this workshop, learn how to use the Minnesota Phosphorus Index to identify high risk agricultural sites and choose management options to reduce the risk of P losses.

For more information about the Phosphorus Index, go to:
http://www.mnpi.umn.edu

One-Day Workshops: where and when?

The one-day workshop will be repeated at four locations from 10:00 to 3:00.

• January 26th, Crookston, MN
  University of Minnesota – Crookston
• January 27th, Staples, MN
  Central Lakes College
• February 1st, Willmar, MN
  Kandiyohi Office Building
• February 2nd, Lamberton, MN
  Southwest Research and Outreach Center
• February 3rd, Rochester, MN
  University of Minnesota – Rochester

Who is it for?

This workshop is designed for agricultural professionals, conservationists, nutrient and manure planners, and watershed planners. Past participants included crop consultants, farm managers, Conservation District and Watershed District employees, NRCS employees, and Regional Extension Agents.

Objectives

Through lecture, demonstrations, and hands-on training, participants will learn:

• Mechanisms of phosphorus movement to lakes and streams from both manured and non-manured fields,
• Management practices that help reduce P loss to water,
• The structure of the P Index,
• How to effectively use the MN P Index in conjunction with Farm Bill conservation programs, MPCA manure application rules, and nutrient management planning,
• How to use the P Index to improve watershed and TMDL planning, and
• How the Minnesota P Index compares to Wisconsin’s and Iowa’s.

Presenters

This workshop is organized and presented by the UM Dept of Soil, Water, & Climate along with the MN Dept. of Agriculture, MN Pollution Control Agency, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the UM Extension Service.

Register by January 19th, 2006

Register by contacting Ann Lewandowski at alewand@umn.edu or 612-624-6765.

Provide your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and indicate whether you will bring a laptop computer.

If you bring a laptop, you will have the opportunity to load the software before the meeting and get hands-on experience using the P Index program.

There will be a charge for lunch and refreshments.

CCA credits

Four Soil and Water CCA continuing education units will be available.