Crop yields continue to increase. Our understanding of the principles of soil fertility and fertilizer management continues to improve as a result of continuing research. There is now a more in-depth understanding of a variety of topics that pertain to soil fertility and fertilizer management.

Through various meeting evaluations, ag-professionals and crop producers have requested more in-depth explanations of the fertilizer management guidelines that are suggested. Therefore, the educational program described below will be offered to the ag professional and crop producer audience in February 2008.

WHAT? Advanced Soil Fertility Workshops

WHEN AND WHERE?

• Owatonna: February 4 and 6, Cabella’s Meeting Room, 9:30 to 12:00
• Olivia: February 11 and 14, Room 117, Renville County Office Building, 9:30 to 12:00
• Detroit Lakes: February 25 (1-4 pm) and 26 (9 am-12 pm), Holiday Inn

TOPICS?

• Cations, anions, molecules, and more
• The mystery of Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
• pH: easy to spell, more difficult to understand
• Soil Nitrogen: up and down the oxidation/reduction scale
• Phosphorus chemistry is not a walk in the park

There are many other topics that could be included. However, these topics seem to address most of the fertilizer management concerns that have surfaced recently.

INSTRUCTOR?

George Rehm, Nutrient Management Specialist, University of Minnesota (retired)

COST?

$60 includes refreshments and handout material

CEU CREDITS?

Will be applied for.

This program will not be a lecture only educational activity. There will be in-class demonstrations and problem sets. Delivery will not be via PowerPoint. A slower pace will be used.

Pre-registration is not required. However, it would certainly be helpful to know the number of individuals intending to come. If this program is of interest and you plan to attend, please call George at 507-263-9127 or email: rehmx001@umn.edu