MASON CITY – Iowa State University Extension will host a field day at the residue management study from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on July 25 on the North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City.

Dr. Mahdi Al-Kaisi and his research team will present results from last year’s study and explain approaches to managing corn residue prior to a soybean crop.

Mark Johnson, Extension field agronomist, will be on hand to discuss current crop production concerns.

With greater corn yields and better insect and disease resistance, corn residue levels continue to increase, Al-Kaisi said.

Farmers have applied liquid nitrogen in the fall to help break down corn residue. Al-Kaisi and his team are conducting research on tillage systems and three nitrogen rates effects on residue breakdown to provide tips on managing fall corn stalk residue.

During the field day, they will explain the treatments and share preliminary observations.

The Iowa Soybean Association Research Committee has funded this research to help farmers learn how to manage corn residue more efficiently. Since the plot is located on the campus, the NIACC agriculture classes have helped do the tillage, apply the treatments, and collect information.

“Our students have enjoyed working more closely with ISU researchers on this project,” said Kevin Muhlenbruch, NIACC crops program instructor. “We’re happy to help with this project and are looking forward to seeing the first results.”

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required.

For more information contact Johnson at markjohn@iastate.edu.