Making the most of soil - the most valuable asset on your farm

Our professional team works to increase productivity and cost effectiveness on your farm.

4R Plus

Soil Health & Conservation Practices

Today, the business case for healthy soils is stronger than ever. Thanks to a better understanding of soil management, you know that healthier soil helps retain nutrients and moisture – and can generate a corresponding rise in productivity, profitability and resiliency. It also can increase the value of your Iowa farmland for the next generation.

4R Plus involves using precise 4R nutrient management and conservation practices to provide nutrients when the crop needs them, to enhance soil health, and improve water quality. The goal is to achieve a more productive crop now and in the future.

4R Plus:

It means dollars and makes sense

Today, the need to care for healthy soils is stronger than ever. Thanks to a better understanding of soil management, we know that healthier soils retain nutrients and moisture – and can generate a corresponding rise in productivity, profitability, and resiliency. The value of your land may also rise with healthier soils.

4Rs

of Nutrient Stewardship

By implementing 4R nutrient stewardship practices, you optimize the nutrients you apply to maximize plant uptake and minimize field losses. Using the 4Rs allows you to keep the nutrients in the root zone and available when the crop needs them the most during the growing season.

Improve nitrogen management using 4R nutrient stewardship practices.
Plant cover crops to take up water and nutrients from the soil.
Increase perennials in row crop rotations to reduce both drainage flow and nitrate loads.
Use adjustable, flow-reduction structures placed in the drainage system.
Reduce drainage intensity with wider-spaced tile lines and/or place them closer to the surface.
Recycle drainage water by storing it in a pond or small reservoir and then returning it back to the field through the drainage tile during dry periods.
Add bioreactors to channel tile water through a carbon source – usually wood chips – and denitrify the water.
Incorporate wetlands to remove nitrates through denitrification, plant uptake and reduction in flow.
Install a two-stage drainage ditch to retain nitrates through uptake by ditch’s vegetation and by biofiltration when tile water passes through the vegetation.
Use saturated buffers to allow tile water to be redirected into the vegetative buffer and seep through the buffer’s root zone.

4R Plus

Practices

Reduced Tillage

Reduced soil erosion by up to 90% compared to unprotected field surfaces.

Cover Crops

Increase organic matter, increase microbial populations, reduce compaction, and more in your fields by implementing cover crops.

Waterway Protection

In-field and edge-of-field practices increase the resiliency and health of your soils.

4R Plus

Videos

Set Goals With Your Trusted Crop Advisor

Shawn Richmond, director of environmental technology, Agribusiness Association of Iowa encourages farmers to talk with their trusted crop advisors about setting reasonable goals and determining the 4R Plus practices that help improve the soil. Your AFS agronomist will assist you in choosing the best practice for your fields.

Rething Tillage

Fayette County, Iowa, farmer Tim Recker is experiencing multiple crop and soil health benefits since changing his tillage system. He says the less disruption to the soil, the better.

Don't hesitate to contact us any time.

Our Plant Nutrition Agronomists are both 4R nutrient management specialists through the CCA program. Mike Perkins also serves on the advisory board of Iowa’s 4R+ initiative and is our 4R+ Specialist.

Mike Perkings

Email Mike

Call Mike at 641-566-3658

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Asmus Farm Supply, Inc.

Consulting Clients with Sustainable Recommendations to Maximize Production