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Leopold Center cosponsors workshops


Winter, 1995
Regional agricultural workshops
Leopold Center cosponsored conferences
Educational programs for Iowa farmers, ag businesses, and students

Contact the person listed below for details about program and registration.


Jan. 6
Integrated Crop Management Conference
Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids
Contact:  Jim Fawcett, ISU Extension, (319) 377-9839

Jan. 6
Bi-State Ag Day
Bldg. 1, Black Hawk College, Moline, Ill.
Contact:  Virgill Schmitt, ISU Extension, (319) 652-4923

Jan. 17
Forestry Shortcourse-Alternative Opportunities for Farmers
Scheman Building, Iowa State University, Ames
Contact:  Eldon Weber, ISU, (515) 294-0893

Jan. 24-25
Management Intensive Grazing Symposium
University Park Holiday Inn, Des Moines
Contact:  Dan Morrical, ISU Extension, (515) 294-2240

Jan. 25
Manure Management Conference
Carrollton Inn, Carroll
Contact:  Chad Kherli, Carroll County SWCD, (712) 792-5447

Jan. 27
New Technologies in Crop Production
Dickinson Co. Community Building, Spirit Lake
Contact:  Paul Kassel, ISU Extension, (712) 262-2264


Feb. 9
Pasture Management Seminar
Southwestern Community College, Creston
Contact:  Sue Freemyer, Southwestern Community College 1-800-
247-4023, or Russ BreDahl, ISU Extension, (515) 782-8426

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"Manure HappensŠTake Credit"
(Manure Management Workshops)
Check with the contact for the location you wish to attend.
Program and fee may vary slightly with location.


Feb. 22
Veteran's Hall, Holstein
Contact:  Kris Kohl, ISU Extension, (712) 732-5056

Feb. 23
Marshalltown
Contact:  Saquib Mukhtar, ISU Extension, (515) 342-3316

Feb. 24
Boondocks Restaurant, Williams
Contact:  David Rausch, ISU Extension, (515) 584-2261

March 6
Community Center, Fontanelle
Contact:  Shawn Shouse, ISU Extension, (712) 623-2592

March 8
County Fairgrounds, Fairfield
Contact:  Grant Wells, ISU Extension, (515 ) 673-5841

March 9
Westfield Inn, Iowa City
Contact:  Greg Brenneman, ISU Extension, (319) 337-2145

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Anne Larson, Comm. Specialist
Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture
ealarson@iastate.edu
(515) 294-0626




MAY 91 Wood Ashes As A Fertilizer/Lime Material

With the increase in use of wood stoves for home heating, questions
have arisen concerning the feasibility of applying wood ashes to
supply plant nutrients.  The nutrient content of wood ashes is
variable, but in general they contain approximately 1% phosphorus,
5% potassium, and small amounts of boron and other elements.  In
addition to supplying nutrients, wood ashes have neutralizing
properties similar to limestone.  Although the actual neutralizing
value will vary depending on  hardwood used, in general they have
about one-half to three-fourths the neutralizing value of limestone
(i.e., 20 lbs. of wood ashes 0-15 lbs. of lime).

Wood ashes may be applied to the home garden to supply the above
needed plant nutrients and reduce soil acidity.  Application should
be made ONLY if the soil pH (acidity factor) is less than 7.0,
based on a soil test.  Suggested rates are 10-20 lbs. of wood ashes
per 1,000 sq. ft. per year.  A 10 qt. pail, filled to within 2" of
the top, will contain about 5 lbs. of wood ashes so 2 to 4 pails
may be used per 1,000 sq. ft.  Higher rates should be avoided
because of potential plant toxicity problems.  The soil should be
tested after two years to check for changes in pH, phosphorus and
potassium levels to determine if further wood ash applications
should be made.

Wood ashes should not be applied in contact with germinating seeds
or plant roots because of possible salt burn from the potash in the
ash.  To be on the safe side, wood ashes should be incorporated
into the soil before planting using a rototiller or plow.

One word about coal ashes - do not use them as they have no
neutralizing power or significant nutrient-supplying properties.

Additional Notes - The reason for the 20 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. per
year maximum for wood ash application is that wood ashes may
contain 1-3 or more lbs. of boron per ton so a 50 lb. per 1,000 sq.
ft. application (i.e., approximately 1 ton per acre or 1-3 lbs of
boron per acre) is too high for a general recommendation.  Toxicity
problems may develop for some crops.

Wood ashes may also be applied to lawns if the chunks of charcoal
are removed.  Maximum rate is 15 lbs. per 1,000 square feet.  If
the turf is actively growing, the wood ashes should be watered in.

. . . Steve Donohue