Research relating to nutrient use efficiency is conducted throughout the region. Through this regional group, current information is relayed to diverse users including crop consultants, government regulators and agencies, industry, and university researchers. Biennial Western Nutrient Management conferences held in Reno, Nevada during the current project period (2015, 2017, and 2019) extended information on topics that included 1) nitrogen cycling and management; 2) evaluating and managing salt-affected soils; 3) water, soil, manure, and plant testing; 4) data analysis techniques for field studies; 5) nutrient management planning for specific crops and cropping systems; 6) sustainable agricultural systems; and 7) novel organic amendments and biostimulants. This is a major conduit for bringing current research and policy information to user groups. Involvement by graduate and undergraduate students is an important component of the conference and is promoted via presentation competitions and awards.

Recent examples of collaborative products and activities fostered by the WERA-103 committee during the current project period includes:

Education programs and activities

• WERA-103 Western U.S. Soil Fertility video series. Ten videos produced by WERA-103 members. Available at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq8g9TDqZwe23oymFlqi2Bw;
• Understanding Western Soils. 15 short videos for training and classroom use produced by WERA-103 members. Funded by Western SARE. Available at: https://westernsoils.nmsu.edu/;
• Six articles published in Crops & Soils Magazine with circulation of ~14,500;

Multi-state extension publications

• Moore, A. D., Pirelli, G. J., Filley, S. J., Fransen, S., Sullivan, D. M., Fery, M. A., & Thompson, T. M. (2019). Nutrient Management for Pastures: Western Oregon and Western Washington (EM 9224, p. 16). Corvallis, OR, Benton: OSU Extension and Experiment Station Communications https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9224
• Moore, A. D., Wysocki, D. J., Chastain, T. G., Wilson, T., Duval, A. S. (2019). Nutrient management guide: Camelina (PNW 718, pp. 5). Oregon State University Extension and Experiment Station Communications. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw718
• Sullivan, D. M., Bary, A. I., & Cogger, C. G. (2018). Worksheet for Calculating Biosolids Application Rates in Agriculture (PNW 511, p. 12). Oregon State University Extension Service. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw511
• Sullivan, D. M., Bary, A. I., Miller, R. O., & Brewer, L. J. (2018). Interpreting Compost Analyses (EM 9217, p. 10). Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University Extension Service. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9217
• Sullivan, D. M., Cogger, C., Bary, A. I., & Brewer, L. J. (2018). Biosolids in Dryland Cropping Systems PNW 716, p. 11). Corvallis OR: Oregon State University Extension Service. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw716
• Walsh O.S., D. Tarkalson, A. Moore, G. Dean, D. Elison, J. Stark, O. Neher, and B. Brown. 2019. Southern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Sugar Beets. CIS 1174. University of Idaho. 15 pp.

Multi-state grant-funded research-extension-education projects (funded and proposed)

• Compost and cover crop options in dryland grain systems. Funded by USDA Organic Research & Extension Initiative. Utah State University, University of Wyoming, Montana State University, Washington State University;
• Integrating cover crops and livestock in irrigated cropping systems. Funded by Western SARE and the Northern Plains Climate Hub. University of Wyoming and Montana State University;
• Farmer-driven diversified winter-wheat rotations for improved soil health. Proposal submitted to Western SARE. University of Wyoming and Colorado State University;
• Foundational Knowledge of Soil Health and Organic Matter Processes in High Elevation Irrigated Hay and Pasture Meadows. Proposal submitted to USDA-NIFA-AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Soil Health Program. University of Wyoming and Colorado State University.

Laboratory proficiency testing programs

• Expansion of the multi-state Agricultural Laboratory Proficiency Program and the growing Manure and Compost Analysis Proficiency programs (Robert Miller, CSU);
• North American Proficiency Testing (NAPT) Program (with the Soil Science Society of America) continues to be coordinated, supported, and utilized by members of WERA-103;