Crop management

1. Growin’ good corn: Rocket science or common sense? R.L. (Bob) Nielsen, Agronomy, Purdue University. World population continues to increase. Global demand for food continues to increase. Grain yields of major agronomic crops need to increase to meet this demand. Does history offer any guidance on the likelihood of achieving this? What does it require to significantly “raise the bar” for corn yields?

2. Long silks, short pollen... a long year? Roger Elmore, Agronomy, Iowa State University. Pollination issues are just part of the problem Iowa corn experienced in 2011. Kernel weight reductions likely occurred because of the high night temperatures during pollination which resulted in rapid crop development. This sounds like a replay of 2010, at least for Iowa corn. Was it?

3. Making silage from Iowa’s forage crops. Stephen K. Barnhart, Agronomy, Iowa State University. Ensiling corn and forage crops is an efficient method for preservation of their nutrient content. Successful silage making requires management attention from before harvest through feeding. This session will address management when ensiling several commonly used forage crops.

4. Corn stover production 101 – Basics of corn stover supply chains for a biorefinery. Matt Darr, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University. Cellulosic feedstocks, such as corn stover, are emerging as a viable resource for production of ethanol. This presentation will discuss what it takes to supply a biorefinery.

5. Midwest crop weather 2011-2012: What follows a strong La Niña? Elwynn Taylor, Agronomy, Iowa State University. The abnormal 2011 weather for much of the Earth turned out very much as it had been during the previous La Niña events of like strength (1952-5/1974). The winter was wet in Montana and dry in Texas. Melting snow brought floods (mainly to the Missouri river basin). Heat exacerbated the Texas drought. Early spring tornadoes brought death and destruction on a scale not known since the previously strong La Niña events. Wet conditions at planting threatened crop establishment and hot/dry spells in the summer reduced yield potentials. There are hints that 2012 may be influenced by much the same conditions.

6. Crop and biofuel outlook for 2012. Chad Hart, Economics, Iowa State University. 2012 is shaping up to be an exciting market year for crop agriculture. Prices are at record levels and crop demands are shifting in reaction to those prices. Biofuels have been the leading source of crop demand and new production platforms are being explored. This presentation will examine the factors influencing crop and biofuel markets and provide an outlook for those markets over the coming year.

7. Sustainable production and distribution of bioenergy for the Central US. Chad Hart, Economics, Iowa State University. In 2010, USDA called for proposals to investigate the development of sustainable bioenergy platforms. Iowa State University and collaborators from 5 Midwest states have been awarded funds for a project that will: 1) explore the feasibility of producing advanced transportation fuels derived from perennial grasses grown on land that is unsuitable or marginal for row crop production and 2) improve the sustainability of existing corn/soybean systems by reducing agricultural runoff of nutrients and soil and increasing carbon sequestration.

8. Energy management for crop production. Mark Hanna, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University. Almost a billion dollars is spent annually on energy by Iowa agriculture. Several techniques will be shown to better manage energy use in crop production. Included will be tractor use and selection and energy tips for high- and low-temperature grain drying.

Pest management

9. Integrated Pest Management 101. Bob Hartzler, Agronomy, Iowa State University; Laura Jesse, Plant Pathology, Iowa State University; Erika Saalau, Plant Pathology, Iowa State University. How well do you know integrated management of diseases, insects, and weeds? Have fun while you learn. Take part in an electronically administered quiz and discussion covering basic principles of IPM in agronomic crops. (Enrollment limited to 65 for each session.)

10. Herbicide resistance in waterhemp: Past, present, and future. Patrick J. Tranel, Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Over the last couple of decades, waterhemp has transitioned from being a relatively unknown weed to one of the worst weeds in the Midwest. Contributing to its success as a weed has been its ability to rapidly evolve herbicide resistance. This presentation will describe the history of herbicide-resistance evolution in waterhemp – including a discussion of the underlying resistance mechanisms – and conclude with implications of the increasing occurrence of multiple herbicide resistance within waterhemp populations.

11. Weed management for 2012. Micheal D. K. Owen, Agronomy, Iowa State University. The session will provide a review of new herbicides, herbicide-resistant crops, management considerations and current issues for weeds in 2012. Discussion will address the importance of tactic diversity, knowledge of herbicide tank mixture components and alternative strategies. The impact of current tactics on weed communities and crop yield potential will be considered.

12. Herbicide-resistant weeds: An evolving problem of importance in Iowa crop production. Micheal D. K. Owen, Agronomy, Iowa State University. The continued evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds will be discussed and updated information describing the magnitude of the problem will be provided. Factors impacting the herbicide-resistant weeds will be identified. The implications of herbicide-resistant weeds on current herbicide labels will be addressed and perspectives on possible regulations discussed.

13. A reintroduction to soil-applied herbicides. Bob Hartzler, Agronomy, Iowa State University. Our heavy reliance on glyphosate diminished the importance of soil-applied herbicides. However, the development of herbicide resistance will result in these products again being our first line of defense in weed management. Factors influence availability, efficacy and persistence will be reviewed.

14. Diversified weed management tactics in diversified cropping systems: Foundations for durable crop production and protection. Matt Liebman, Agronomy, Iowa State University. Diversifying the standard corn-soybean rotation system by adding small grains and forage legumes can provide important opportunities for increasing yields, reducing input costs, maintaining or increasing profits, and managing soil-borne pest problems, such as Sudden Death Syndrome of soybean. Diversified systems also offer outstanding opportunities for managing weeds effectively with diverse tactics, thereby reducing risks of developing herbicide resistance in weeds. This session will review 10 years of results from a 22-acre experiment in Boone Co., IA.

15. The challenge of unexpected corn rootworm injury to rootworm-resistant corn. Ken Ostlie, Entomology, University of Minnesota. Unexpected performance problems with Bt-Corn create a management challenge for growers, advisors, seed companies and EPA. This presentation will present what is known about performance problems, the debate over whether or not resistance has developed, the management challenge, and the dilemma posed by this situation.

16. Update on the soybean aphid efficacy evaluation program. Erin Hodgson, Entomology, Iowa State University. The soybean aphid efficacy evaluation program has been at ISU since 2005. This year, we expanded to three locations and had over 35 treatments. This presentation will focus on the results of our product comparisons, including seed and foliar treatments and host plant resistance.

17. Japanese beetle biology and management in corn and soybeans. Erin Hodgson, Entomology, Iowa State University. Japanese beetles were an economic pest for Iowa corn and soybean in 2011. This presentation will focus on learning about the biolgoy of this pest and general management recommendations to protect yield. An efficacy evaluation for Japanese beetles started in 2011 will also be discussed.

18. Assessing the benefits of pyramids and seed treatments for soybean aphid host plant resistance. M. T. McCarville, Entomology, Iowa State University. The results of a multi-state study investigating the performance of soybean aphid resistant lines will be discussed. Soybean lines containing Rag1 alone, Rag2 alone, and Rag1 and 2 together were grown at six locations across five states. In Iowa, at two locations the lines were grown with and without a seed treatment. The benefit of single gene lines, multiple gene lines, and seed treatments for both soybean aphid control and yield protection will be discussed.

19. Nematode-protectant seed treatments: Protection you want? Insurance you need? Gregory L. Tylka, Plant Pathology, Iowa State University. There are several different seed treatments for corn and soybeans that offer early season protection against plant-parasitic nematodes. A common question being asked these days is “Do I need to use one of these products?” The nature and performance of these seed treatments will be discussed in relation to the biology of the nematode pests.

20. Goss’s wilt: Get the facts Alison Robertson, Plant Pathology, Iowa State University. Goss’s wilt was widespread in Iowa in 2011. Why? This session will review what we know about the epidemiology of this disease Furthermore, we will present data regarding the impact of Goss’s on grain quality.

21. Coping with Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) in Iowa soybeans – integrated research approach and solutions to protect yield
Silvia Cianzio, Agronomy, Iowa State University; Leonor Leandro, Plant Pathology, Iowa State University; Madan Bhattacharyya, Agronomy, Iowa State University. Sudden death syndrome (SDS) is a fungal disease in soybean first identified in Iowa in 1994. By 2000, it was evident SDS would become another yield deterrent for soybeans and research was needed. At ISU, we have applied breeding, fungal knowledge, cultural practices and biotechnology to cope and control this emerging disease. We will discuss the research approach and where we are today in finding solutions to assist producers.

Nutrient management

22. Iowa’s nutrient reduction strategy to address Gulf Hypoxia: Progress report. Bill Northey, Secretary of Agriculture, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Iowa is required to develop a strategy to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorous from the state reaching the Gulf of Mexico. IDALS and IDNR are collaborating on a strategy to address all sources of N and P in the state. Agriculture is an important contributor of N and P and will be asked to implement strategies that reduce nutrient losses to surface water. This session will provide an update on the process and elements of the strategy.

23. Fertilizer situation and outlook. David Asbridge, President, NPK Fertilizer Advisory Service, Chesterfield, MO. The fertilizer market has been and continues to be undergoing an unprecedented period of volatility. This session will discuss what is causing the volatility and what the fertilizer market is expected to do over the next few months.

24. Corn and soybean response to soil pH level and liming. Antonio P. Mallarino, Agronomy, Iowa State University. Iowa State University guidelines concerning desirable soil pH levels for crop production were established almost four decades ago. This presentation shares results of ongoing on-farm research to assess within-field variation in soil pH and lime requirement and to reevaluate the soil pH levels at which lime application benefits corn and soybean production.

25. Nutrient uptake by corn and soybean, removal, and recycling with crop residue. Antonio P. Mallarino, Agronomy, Iowa State University. Increasing crop yields, high within-field yield variability, and bioenergy production from corn residue have generated questions about P, K, and micronutrient removal with corn and soybean grain harvest and with corn residue harvest. Increased nutrient removal and the timing of the removal affect nutrient recycling, soil-test levels, the temporal variation of soil-test levels, and nutrient application rates for profitable and sustained crop production. This presentation shares results of research to study nutrient uptake by corn and soybean, removal, and recycling to the soil from physiological maturity until the following spring.

26. Effect of a rye cover crop and crop residue removal on corn nitrogen fertilization. John Sawyer, Agronomy, Iowa State University. Reducing nitrate in surface water and removal of corn residue for livestock needs and energy production are two on-going issues in Iowa corn production. This presentation will discuss results of two studies focused on corn nitrogen fertilization; no-till corn-soybean with a rye cover crop and continuous corn with different tillage and levels of crop residue removal.

27. Nitrate loss in subsurface drainage as affected by nitrogen application rate and timing under a corn-soybean rotation system. Matthew Helmers, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University. Nitrogen loss from production agriculture systems through subsurface drainage networks is a growing concern in the Midwestern United States. The effect of nitrogen application rate and timing on nitrate concentration, nitrate losses, and crop yields in a corn-soybean rotation system on tile-drained Mollisols has been investigated by a five-year (2005-2009) study in north central Iowa. The results show that the fertilizer application timing (spring vs. fall) has little impact on nitrate loss but higher nitrogen application rate could result in greater nitrate loss in subsurface drainage.

Soil and water management

28. Soil Erosion: What will the future bring? Rick Cruse, Agronomy and the Iowa Water Center, Iowa State University. High commodity and land prices and resulting changes land management, coupled with increasing frequency of strong storm events have a large impact on soil erosion rates. Soil loss in many Iowa locations is multiple times that of soil renewal rates. The resulting soil degradation is reducing crop yield potential. Can we change the future?

29. Can conservation complement agriculture? John Doudna, Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University. Conservation is often considered separate from the needs of agriculture. Recent research at ISU suggests that targeted conservation practices can positively impact management of farm land, especially for preventing soil erosion and nutrient run-off. We will discuss how these types of beneficial functions can be improved within the farm landscape.

30. Corn residue removal effects on grain production and soil quality. Mahdi Al-Kaisi, Agronomy, Iowa State University. This presentation will cover different levels of corn residue removal along with different tillage systems and N rates effect on continuous corn yield and selected soil quality indicators such as aggregate stability, soil C, bulk density, and infiltration rate.

31. Water quality benefits of perennial filter strips in row-cropped watersheds. Matthew Helmers, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University. Vegetative filter strips have been used as a practical strategy in reducing soil loss and nutrient transport from agricultural landscapes. Their environmental benefits are being tested in a long-term field experiment involving twelve catchments in Central Iowa. Field monitored data suggest that incorporation of small amounts of prairie filter strips within annual rowcrop systems could provide an effective approach to reduce sediment and nutrient loss from agricultural land.

32. Biochar impacts on soil quality, carbon sequestration, and sustainable bioenergy production. David A. Laird, Agronomy, Iowa State University. Applying the biochar co-product of pyrolysis to soils increases the capacity of soils to retain both nutrients and water, decreases nutrient leaching, increases soil pH, and reduces soil bulk density. Biochar applications are also very effective for increasing soil organic carbon, and hence may merit significant carbon credits. Improvements in soil quality due to biochar applications have the potential to help make the harvesting crop residues for bioenergy production sustainable.

Commercial pesticide applicator recertification

33. Seed treatment (Category 4) continuing instructional course. Betsy Buffington, Pest Management and the Environment, Iowa State University. This interactive, scenario-based session covers the required topics for recertification for seed treatment applicators in categories 4 and 10. This session also qualifies for one pest management credit for CCA.
Additionally, seed treatment applicators must attend one of the following workshops: 16, 18 or 19

34. Categories 1A (Weeds), 1B (Insects), 1C (Crop Diseases) and 10 (Research and demonstration).
Kristine Schaefer, Pest Management and the Environment, Iowa State University. The Commercial Ag Weed, Insect and Disease Management CIC will provide continuing instructional credit for commercial pesticide applicators certified in categories 1A, 1B, 1C and 10. Topics to be covered include the new EPA Container/Containment Rule, water quality, phytotoxicity, and pesticide stewardship. This session also qualifies for one pest management credit for CCA.

To receive recertification, applicators must also attend one pest management workshop in each of the subcategories they are certified (1A, 1B and/or 1C) in addition to this session.
• Catetory 1A - Weeds – Workshops 10-14
• Category 1B - Insects – Workshops 15-18
• Category 1C - Crop Diseases – Workshops 19-21