4R Nutrient Summit to cover best practices for nutrient management

June 26, 2025 | Kriss Nelson

For farmers, it all comes down to profitability, productivity and sustainability.

That’s the message behind an upcoming event hosted by the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA).

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Summit will be held July 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at Hawkeye Community College’s Tama Hall, Rooms 102 and 106, 1501 Orange Road, Waterloo.

The RSVP deadline is July 27.

RSVP Here

To maximize crop performance from every dollar spent on either synthetic fertilizer or manure, nutrients must be applied efficiently and responsibly.

“How do we make sure every pound of nitrogen goes into the plant and stays in the field? Proper application, proper rate and the right product selection are key areas of focus for the event,” says Joe McClure, chief officer for ISA’s Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI).

McClure says the event aims to help farmers learn, or affirm, the practices that strengthen their ability to get the most out of every input dollar while protecting Iowa’s natural resources.

“The program also recognizes the role conservation plays, especially in light of ongoing concerns over water quality in central Iowa,” he says. “Presentations will dive into how cover crops, edge-of-field practices and manure management strategies can all contribute to sustainable outcomes without sacrificing productivity.”

A full day of learning

Following a welcome at 9 a.m., farmers will share insights on the challenges and opportunities surrounding nutrient management.

Michael Castellano, Ph.D., Iowa State University professor and lead of the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative, will discuss nitrogen management research and introduce new tools that help farmers fine-tune decision-making during the growing season.

An afternoon session will focus on research highlights from ISA’s nine-year cover crop trial. This presentation will highlight the economics, soil health benefits and nutrient loading impacts of long-term cover crop use.

At 1:05 p.m., Dan Andersen, Iowa State University associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, will discuss best practices for swine and beef manure management.

A think tank and feedback session will follow at 2:15 p.m., with a final discussion on edge-of-field conservation practices beginning at 3 p.m. Attendees will also be able to learn more about or sign up for cover crop programs and other conservation efforts.

Event sponsors include: Corteva, Mosaic, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, YARA, Soil Warrior, Environmental Tillage Systems, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Agricultural Clean Water Alliance (ACWA), Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA), Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Koch Agronomic Services and the Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council (NREC).

For additional information or questions, contact Julia Brenizer at jbrenizer@iasoybeans.com.

Written by Kriss Nelson.

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