Incorporation of perennial legumes and cover crops into our row cropping systems and reduction of tillage will reduce soil erosion and concurrent loss of phosphorous and nitrogen to the surface water. Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb.) is a relatively new forage legume in North America that can be used in a living mulch system. It has an excellent forage yield and is persistent under a wide range of soil and climatic environments. Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Integrated Farm/Livestock Management Demonstration Program, with the assistance of Iowa State University Extension, are currently funding a large on-farm demonstration project in northeast Iowa on educating growers about kura clover living mulch systems for grain crop production.

A one-day workshop will be held on this topic on March 8, 2007, at the Seed Science Center auditorium at Iowa State University. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. The workshop will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m. To register for this event or for more information, visit the Agribusiness Education Program Web site. The fee for this workshop is $35, which includes lunch. Registrations will not be accepted at the door. The final day for registration is March 5, 2007. For questions about registration, e-mail aep@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-6429.

For Certified Crop Advisers (CCA), this workshop is an excellent opportunity to obtain additional continuing education credits. The following CCA credits have been applied for: 2.5 crop management and 1.5 soil and water management.

Palle Pedersen is an assistant professor of agronomy with research and extension responsibilities in soybean production. Jodee Stuart is an agricultural specialist in the Department of Agronomy.