A new source for soil fertility information
By Jean McGuire, Extension Communications

There is a new source for information on soil fertility available from Iowa State University (ISU) Extension. It can be found on the Web at http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/soilfertility/

This Web site has information on many soil fertility and nutrient management topics, including soil testing, soil test interpretations, liming, soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, secondary and micronutrients, manure, nonconventional additives, and nutrient management planning.

There is also a photo gallery for each topic area, including nutrient deficiencies. The site contains links to the ISU soil and plant analysis lab, ISU weather and climatic information, and other ISU sources. The site also provides links to other related information sources and organizations outside ISU.

“We designed this to be a primary place to go to at ISU for information on soil fertility,” said John Sawyer, ISU Extension soil specialist. “Not only can you access ISU Extension publications covering soil fertility and nutrient management topics, but you can also find conference proceedings and presentations covering research conducted at ISU,” he said.

Each nutrient topic page provides a variety of resources for each topic area. For instance, if you click on “Nutrient Management/Planning” under the “Nutrient Topics,” you will find newsletter articles, conference proceedings and reports, abstracts, photos, extension publications, presentations, and links to related sources.

“We hope this Web site will make it easier for people to find information at ISU covering specific soil fertility topics,” Sawyer said.

Jean McGuire is the agriculture and natural resources extension communications specialist.

Copyright © 1997-2004, Iowa State University. All rights reserved.

Previous feature articles:

• Concrete Standards for Animal Confinements Kick in March 24
• DNR Looks for Confinement Feeding Operations that Need Manure Plans Starting March 1
• Certification Program Offered for Dry Manure Applicators - Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Leroy Jensen, Wright County Extension Office, Kapil Arora, Area Agricultural Engineer, Story County Extension Office, Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services
• 2004 Manure Applicator Certification Workshops - Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronom
• There's Still Time to be Certified to Apply Manure this Fall - by Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy and Jean McGuire, Extension Communication Services, Iowa State University
• ISU Extension Offers Manure Management Events - by Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy and Jean McGuire, Extension Communication Services, Iowa State University
• Help Available for Developing Annual Manure Management and Nutrient Management Plans - by Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University and Chris Murray, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Your help needed in completing Minnesota survey regarding ventilation strategies used during pit agitation and pumping from deep pit systems - by David Schmidt, Extension Engineer, University of Minnesota Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department
• Moderate manure plus minimal N equal highest return - by Chad Ingels, nutrient and manure management specialist, Maquoketa Watershed Project
• Manure applicators should plan now to attend certification meetings - by Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• Resources for proposed new animal feeding operation rules, including the master matrix and opportunity to provide comments to the rule making process - by Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• Mastering the Matrix and Other Manure Matters - by Sherry Hoyer, Iowa Pork Industry Center
• Mastering the Matrix and Other Manure Matters - by Sherry Hoyer, Iowa Pork Industry Center
• Web resource identifying frequently asked questions about manure management is now available -
  Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• Manure management field days are in full swing - by Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• Information and resources regarding the development of the Master Matrix for siting confinement facilities - Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University; Karen Grimes and Robin Pruisner, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
• Upcoming Meetings on Iowa's Livestock Regulations and Other Information Resources - by Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• Information Regarding Iowa's New Livestock Bill-SF 2293 - by Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• Review of Alternative Technologies for Manure Treatment from Open Feedlots - Jeff Lorimor and Brad Woerner, Agricultural Engineers, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, ISU
• Manure Applicator Certification Workshops for 2002 - Angela Rieck-Hinz, Extension Program Specialist, Department of Agronomy, ISU
• Managing Manure and Residue at the Same Time - Paul Miller, Manure Management Specialist, USDA-NRCS