Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Nutrient Recycling from Swine Manure with Biochar and Zeolite

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Ames, Iowa – The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place May 25 at noon CDT will feature Iowa State University environmental research scientists Dr. Chumki Banik and Dr. Santanu Bakshi. Banik and Bakshi collaborate on research regarding the management and utilization of manure as organic fertilizer in ways that can improve soil health while limiting nutrient loss to waterways. Their work includes assessment of the impacts of biochar-manure mixtures on the physical and chemical structure of agricultural soils. In addition, their current research focuses on the use of zeolite, a highly absorbent mineral, and biochar in concentrating and recovering nutrients from swine manure for efficient recycling to cropland while reducing nutrient leakage and improving air quality within the swine production system.

Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program.

In the webinar, “Using Biochar and Zeolite to Recycle Phosphorus and Nitrogen from Swine Manure: An Integrative Approach,” Banik and Bakshi will discuss the efficacy of utilizing biochar and biochar-zeolite mixtures to help recover nitrogen and phosphorus from swine manure. They will also highlight the potential environmental and economic benefits and impacts of agroecosystems which employ organic fertilizer processes such as those currently being investigated.

“We anticipate this study will provide significant data and outcomes to help identify potential positive impacts on climate change mitigation strategies, reduction of pollutants in natural water bodies and long-term sustainability of a broad range of farm systems,” said Banik. “This study should also help to inform and encourage farmers regarding the positive economic and environmental benefits of using sustainable organic fertilizer methods.”

Participants in Iowa Learning Farms Conservation Webinars are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.

Webinar Access Instructions

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CDT May 25:

Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172
Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172

Or, join from a dial-in phone line:

Dial: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 364 284 172

The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website, so that it can be watched at any time. Archived webinars are available at: https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.

A Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) has been applied for. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.

Upcoming Webinars in the Series:

6/1: Lindsey Hartfiel, Iowa State University
6/8: Peter Kyveryga, Iowa State University
6/15: Matt Rurak, University of Wisconsin-Madison
6/22: Chad J. Penn, USDA-ARS

For more information, please contact: Liz Ripley 515.294.5429