Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

University of Arizona Ongoing Research: Gene Giacomelli, Donald Slack, Muluneh Yitayew. Evaluation of Slow Sand Filtration for Recycling Greenhouse Hydroponic Nutrients and Water. Design and evaluation of a slow sand filter for recycling the nutrients and water from a hydroponic tomato production system to reduce water and nutrient use, and discharge from the greenhouse facility. Gene Giacomelli, Kevin Fitzsimmons. Nitrogen Balance and Biomass Production of an Aquaponics System. Lettuce and Tilapia are grown within the same water solution, and share the water and nutrients. Harvestable yields of fish and plants are related to the feeding proportion provided to the fish. Gene Giacomelli, Murat Kacira, Mary Olsen. Developing a closed water/fertilization controlled environment plant production system for fresh green salad production. Development of a closed water/fertilization controlled environment plant production system for fresh green salad production to produce salad vegetables year around with reduced and reused water and fertilizer applications. Michael Ottman and James Walworth. Development of forage sorghum tissue testing for efficient fertilization. Development of post-plant nitrogen fertilization guidelines for forage sorghum for silage based on lower stem nitrate concentration. Utah Phosphorus-Zinc-Manganese Interactions in Potato: Interactions between P, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Cu are documented in many crops, but management specifics are lacking. Studies with potato show that high P rates can result in tuber yield and quality reductions. It was originally thought that this was exclusively caused by a P induced Zn deficiency, but recent work at BYU shows that there is a very complex three-way interaction that results in Mn deficiencies. These results confirm findings in the field. (Brigham Young University -- Barben, Jolley, Hopkins, & Webb) Boron in Potato: Boron is commonly applied to potato, which is thought to have high demand and response to this nutrient. However, the results of 3 years of field studies shows that yield and tuber quality response is not likely, even in low testing soils. (Brigham Young University -- Jolley, Hopkins, & Webb) Iron in Turfgrass: Recent field and greenhouse studies show that new Kentucky bluegrass cultivars are highly resistant to Fe deficiency, even when grown on calcareous soil with very low Fe solubility. It has been shown that a natural chelate (phytosiderophore) is exuded from roots can make Fe available in these soils. This research shows that, unlike many other species, phytosiderophore production does not relate to Fe deficiency resistance in Kentucky bluegrass. (Brigham Young University  Buxton, Hopkins, Jolley,& Webb) Disease and Nutrient Interactions: Pathology Interaction in Potato: Field observations in southeastern Idaho indicated that there may be a relationship between the Pink Rot pathogen and acidic soil conditions. Research shows that there is indeed a propensity for Pink Rot infection when potatoes are grown on very acidic soils (less than ~6.0) and low Ca soils. Further work is underway to examine N and P nutrition-pathology interactions in potato as well. (Brigham Young University -- Geary, Miller, Hopkins, Jolley) Phosphorus Fertilizer Timing in Potato: It is generally recommended to apply P fertilizer to soil and till it in for maximum root contact with this immobile nutrient. Despite the best efforts of growers to supply adequate P, in many cases the tissue analysis in-season suggests that deficiencies are occurring. This series of field trials showed that, although pre-plant broadcast incorporation of P fertilizer is the best method of delivery, in-season fertigation of P will increase potato yields and tuber quality significantly. Monopotassium phosphate was shown to be an effective P source for circumstances when P and/or K is deficient, but N is already adequate or excessive. (Brigham Young University --Hopkins, Ellsworth, and various students) Polymer Chemistry for Slow/Controlled Release Nitrogen in Potato and Turfgrass: N release rates of ESN and uncoated N from urea/UAN and impacts on plant growth, health, yield, and quality are being investigated for use in an effort to improve fertilizer use efficiency and reduce environmental impacts to air and water quality. Potato field data shows significant improvements in N use efficiency with ESN, resulting in increases in tuber quality and net returns and, simultaneously, enabling growers to reduce or eliminate the labor/cost intensive practice of fertigation. N efficiency is improved by reduced leaching and reductions of nitrous oxide and ammonia gases. (Brigham Young University -- Taysom, LeMonte, Hopkins, Jolley, Webb) Oregon State University New and Current Projects in 2010 Custom compost for blueberry. 2nd yr. North Willamette Experiment Station. Sullivan. Grass seed and potato. Improving fertilizer N use efficiency with urea additives. 3rd year. Horneck. Integrated organic blueberry production systems trial. 4th yr. North Willamette Experiment Station. Strik. Multiple crops. Quantifying ammonia volatilization loss. 2nd year. Columbia Basin. Horneck. Onions. Irrigation method x N rate study. 3rd year. Malheur Experiment Station. Shock. Sweet corn. Measuring crop N uptake and yield response to N fertilization for newer varieties. western Oregon. 2nd year. Peachey and Hart. Urban landscape. Compost as a remediation treatment for compacted urban soils. North Willamette Experiment Station. Sullivan. Vegetable crops (small farm). Validating a regression equation to estimate plant-available nitrogen release from cover crops. 3rd year. western Oregon. Sullivan. Winter wheat (western Oregon). Nitrogen availability of heat-dried biosolids for winter wheat. 2nd yr. Hyslop Agronomy Farm. Sullivan University of California Accomplishments for multi-state CSREES report: The California Certified Crop Adviser program in collaboration with the International Certified Crop Adviser program, the University of California and the USDA-NRCS developed a CCA Specialty Certification in Manure Management. The primary audience for this is CCAs providing services to the dairy industry in California and adjoining states where some of these CCAs do business. A set of 34 Performance Objectives was published. An examination with 45 multiple choice questions was taken by 26 CCAs on February 1, 2010. Nitrogen requirement of drip-irrigated processing tomatoes As growers of processing tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) adopt drip irrigation, plant vigor and fruit yield typically increase, suggesting a need for reevaluation of established nitrogen (N) fertilization practices. Trials were conducted in California in 20072008 to evaluate growth and N uptake dynamics of drip-irrigated processing tomatoes across N fertigation regimes ranging from deficient to excessive. A seasonal N rate of 200 kg_ha1 appeared adequate to maximize fruit yield across the range of field conditions encountered. Evaluating foliar nitrogen compounds as indicators of nitrogen status in Prunus persica trees Mobile nitrogen (N) forms may be better N indicators of the N status of trees than total nitrogen (TN) due to their higher sensitivity to increasing N supply. A field experiment was carried out over a 3-year period to compare foliar concentrations of total N (TN), soluble N (SN), chlorophyll (Minolta SPAD readings), NH4N and NO3N as indicators of soil N availability in nectarine, Prunus persica L. Batsch, cv. Fantasia (grafted on Nemaguard peach, P. persica _ P. davidiana) trees. Young trees were exposed to a range of fertilizer-N application rates. The optimum foliar TN for growth decreased with tree age, 4.4%, 3.6% and 3.3% in non-bearing 1-year-old trees, non-bearing 2-year-old trees and 3.3fruit-bearing 3-year-old trees. The optimum SPAD readings were 40 in 2-year-old trees and 42 in 3-year old trees. Stable N compounds (TN and chlorophyll SPAD) could be used to N diagnosis in the zone of N deficiency, and soluble N compounds (NH4N and NO3N) to diagnoses N excess. Ongoing Research (examples): Funded by California Dept. of Food & Agriculture FREP " Precision Delivery of Fertilizer to Satisfy Crop Demand (M. Delwiche and Robert Coates, UCD Dept. of Bio & Ag Engineering) " Assessing Hass Avocado Tree Nutrient Status (C. Lovatt, UC Riverside Dept of Plant Sciences) " Matching Fertilizer Applications to Seasonal Growth Patterns in Avocado (R. Rosecrans, C. Lovatt, B. Faber, CSU Chico, UC Riverside Botany & Plant Sciences, and UCCE Ventura Co.) " Developing testing protocols to ensure the authenticity of fertilizers for organic agriculture (W.R. Horwath, Dept of Land, Air & Water Resources, UC Davis) " Comparing the Efficiency of Different Foliarly-Applied Zinc Formulations on Peach and Pistachio Trees by Using 68Zn Isotope ( R. Scott Johnson) Colorado State University Ground-Based Active Remote Sensors for Nitrogen Management and Yield Prediction of Maize. Tim Shaver, D. G. Westfall and R Khosla Past studies have illustrated a positive relationship between normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and corn crop variables that affect corn yield. Objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the ability of three NDVI sensors (Crop Circle" and GreenSeeker") to predict the N status of maize and (2) to develop a yield prediction model using NDVI, ancillary soil and crop data and (3) develop a N fertilizer application algorithm for in-season N management. While both sensors performed well, the Crop Circle" had the highest correlation with grain yield at the V14 growth stage. A yield estimation equation was developed and used to create a N estimation algorithm to direct in-season N management. Further investigation is needed to determine if this N algorithm is accurate over a range of environments. Characterization of Sources Contributing to Ammonia Deposition in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) Joshua Stratton, Thomas Borch, Jay Ham, Jeffrey L. Collett, Jr., and Jessica G. Davis. Excessive nitrogen deposition results in ecological, economical, and health-related ramifications. Slight increases in atmospheric N deposition can lead to measurable changes in ecosystem services and properties. Our goal is to determine sources of ammonia contributing to N deposition in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Previous studies include Confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and native soils. CAFO soil studies include emission differences between intact soil cores and loose duff material (non-compacted feces), effect of soil additives (water and synthetic urine), and investigations into effects of best management practices, such as scraping. Our findings show that intact CAFO soil cores have higher emissions (44.7%) than duff material from CAFOs. Both of these types of material are found at a CAFO operation, and it was found that intact cores have greater nitrogen emissions. Both application of water and scraping can lower (8.3%, 40.4%, respectively) ammonia volatilization. So both water application and scraping can be viable best management practices to help limit ammonia emissions. Investigations into how quickly synthetic urine converts into ammonia in CAFO soil cores found that 42.1% of the added N in the synthetic urine was converted in 7 days. Evaluation of ground-based active remote sensors for nitrogen management in irrigated maize. Tim Shaver, D. G. Westfall and R Khosla, Recent advances in precision agriculture technology have led to the development of ground-based active remote sensors that determine normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Our study was conducted to determine the performance of the two most prominent active sensors (NTechs GreenSeeker" red and Holland Scientifics Crop Circle" amber). Overall the amber and red sensors each performed well in the determination of N variability in irrigated maize at the V12 and V14 growth stages and either sensor would be an important tool to aid precision N management. Precision Site Specific Manure Management. Raj Khosla, Jessica Davis, Dwayne Westfall, and Robin Reich. In 2009, we completed a four year study evaluating precision manure management strategies (CYG and VYG) across management zones and how it compares to precision fertilizer management strategy. The objective was to assess the influence of variable rate manure applications on grain yield and soil quality parameters under continuous corn (Zea mays L.) fields across MZs in dryland and irrigated cropping systems. Grain yield did increase in the low management zones when a higher manure application rate (30 tons/acre) was applied. While the grain yield response corresponded to our expectation, the yields were still lower than those observed for the precision nitrogen (fertilizer) management strategy. Development of a nitrogen recommendation algorithm using ground-based active remote sensors in irrigated maize. Tim Shaver, D. G. Westfall and R Khosla, Studies have shown that normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from ground-based active remote sensors is highly related with leaf N content in maize (Zea mays). Our study was conducted using the two most prominently used ground-based active remote sensors (NTechs GreenSeeker" red and Holland Scientifics Crop Circle" amber) in the US to develop N recommendation algorithms. Our algorithms are not recommended for commercial adoption at this time; they need further field evaluation over a wider range of environments. However, under our conditions each sensors NDVI N recommendation algorithm calculated unbiased N recommendations, suggesting that the methodology of algorithm development was valid as was the estimate of required N at the V12 growth stage. The integration of ground-based sensors and the appropriate N application algorithms into an on-the-go fertilizer application system would increase the spatial accuracy of N application on fields that are spatially variable if these algorithms are shown to be stable over time and space. Nutrient management in organic forage production. Jessica G. Davis, Joe E. Brummer, Frank H. Stonaker, and Maysoon Mikha Graduate Students: Matt R. Booher, Daniel A. Goldhamer, Tunsisa T. Hurisso, and Dwi Widiastuti. There are a limited number of organic forage producers in Colorado, and thus organic dairies are faced with a shortage of high quality, locally produced organic forage. To satisfy the demand for high quality organic forage, these dairies are forced to truck forage from as far away as Montana and Idaho. This study was conducted to explore two options: organic vegetable producers could adopt warm season forage production in rotation with spring vegetables or perennial hay producers could convert their land to certified organic management practices. Teff (Eragrostis tef) and German Millet (Setaria italic) were seeded in summer 2008. The grasses were either seeded alone or in combination with either forage soybean (Glycine max) or Sesbania (Sesbania macrocarpa). Forage yields for were between 2.08 ton per acre for Teff alone to 3.47 ton per acre for German Millet alone. Legume establishment was poor with at most 1.1% of the mix being leguminous. This warm-season forage production system may provide growers with an opportunity to expand their market while also providing dairies with a local source of organic forage if the issues of weed control and legume establishment can be rectified. Species selection and fertility management are two great challenges facing producers of organic pasture. The objectives of the perennial forage study were to: 1) Identify irrigated grass and grass/legume mixtures that possess the productivity, durability, and forage quality to meet the needs of organic dairies in the western US, and 2) evaluate the use of legumes and compost as nutrient sources to pastures being managed in accordance with organic protocols. Four grass mixes, tall fescue (TF); hybrid wheatgrass-tall fescue-hybrid brome (HWG-TF-HB); orchard grass-meadow brome-smooth brome (OG-MB-SB); and orchardgrass-meadow brome-Kentucky bluegrass (OG-MB-KB), were established in fall 2007. In 2008, plots received either a compost treatment of 22.4 Mg ha-1, or were part of a control set which received no compost. Averaged across cutting date, CP of TF (19.8 %) was 9% lower than the other grass mixes; however, CP remained adequate to meet most ruminant needs for all grass mixes at all cutting dates. Also in 2009, alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil, sainfoin, and white clover were interseeded into the 2008 control plots to observe legume effects on yield and forage quality. As a result of a low level of nitrogen in the compost, fertility had no affect on yield or quality in 2009. Total DM yields of TF and HWG-TF-HB averaged 23% higher than the other grass mixes. Similar to 2008, TF was lower in CP than the other grass mixes. The alfalfa treatment had 25% higher DM yield than the other legume species. Forage quality of all grass mixes improved over the growing season. The addition of legumes to grass-based pasture is an useful tool for increasing forage quality, especially crude protein content. Long-term Trend Analysis of Non-point Source Nitrate Contamination to Shallow Alluvial Groundwater in Colorado - K. Mauch, T.A. Bauder, R. Wawrzynski, R.M. Waskom and G. Naugle. Land management practices involving the use of fertilizer and pesticide products have led to nonpoint source contamination of some underlying shallow, unconfined aquifer systems. The Agricultural Chemicals and Groundwater Protection Program, in the Colorado Department of Agriculture, have a monitoring effort within the South Platte River Basin of northeastern Colorado. The primary land use for the study area is agricultural production; however, concentrated animal feeding operations, rural/urban development, septic leach fields, industrial/commercial development, railroad, right-of-way, and other land use types provide ample non-point sources of fertilizer and pesticide products. In 1995, monitoring well and irrigation well networks, with a fairly uniform distribution, were established to monitor the alluvial groundwater for potential contamination with agricultural chemicals. Viewed as a whole, the irrigation well network shows a significant downward trend in nitrate concentration, while the monitoring well network reports no significant trend. Trend analysis on individual wells shows significant upward trends in 8 of 36 irrigation wells and 3 of 19 monitoring wells. Significant downward trends were observed in 13 of 36 irrigation wells and 6 of 36 monitoring wells. Limited Irrigation Management for Corn  T. A. Bauder, N.C. Hansen and R.J. Pearson Reduced irrigation water supply due to recent drought, well curtailments, municipality demand for irrigation water, and low mountain snow accumulations has reduced irrigation water for agriculture in Colorado and other areas of the western U.S. Limited irrigation demonstrative research has been done for three years, producing corn on Julesburg Sandy Loam soil near Greeley, Colorado. Corn grain yields have been consistently near 70% for limited irrigation treatments relative to full irrigation. Results indicate that plant population and irrigation treatment did not impact root distribution as a function of soil depth. Nutrient Uptake and Weed Suppression by Cover Crops to Transition from Irrigation to Dryland  T.A. Bauder, N.C. Hansen, and J.E. Brummer. Abruptly halting irrigated crop production on fields that have been intensively managed results in negative consequences: Residual soil nutrients threaten water quality; weed infestations compete with perennial grass establishment; wind and water erosion can be significant; and compaction and salinity can initially limit non-irrigated crop and restoration planting choices. Cover crops may bridge the transition from irrigated production to dryland crop production or grassland or provide an interim solution to weed and soil management while waiting for irrigation water restoration. Our goal is to provide cover crop recommendations for farmers who need to temporarily fallow irrigated land, assume dryland production or establish grasses into formerly irrigated fields. Results from this work show that cover crops provide a viable source of soil cover and residue to reduce erosion, suppress weeds, and uptake nutrients for restoration of previously irrigated land. Plans for 2010 include continuation of summer forage cover crops and a second planting of warm and cool season grass mixes where cover crops have reduced nutrient levels and weed pressure to acceptable levels for establishment. University of Idaho Ongoing Research: Silage Corn Dr. Amber Moore and Christi Falen will evaluate Nutri-Sphere N utilization by field corn. Potatoes Dr. Amber Moore and Dr. Nora Olsen are evaluating distillers grain and Chilean nitrate as N sources for organic potatoes for a second year. Dr. Amber Moore, Dr. Nora Olsen, and Sara Zglobicki are conducting a field survey of potatoes grown on manured fields throughout Southern Idaho to determine how manure applications are affecting yields and salt accumulations in the soil. They are also conducting a complimentary greenhouse to closely evaluate the effect of manures and salt fertilizers on nutrient uptake and plant growth. Sugarbeets Dr. Amber Moore, Dr. Don Morishita, and Dr. Oliver Neher will continue to evaluate varying degrees of small grain residue level coverage and nitrogen placement (broadcast vs. shank) on sugar beet yield, quality, and nutrient uptake. Dr. David Tarkalson is conducting research to optimize nitrogen management for sugar beets, Dr. David Tarkalson is evaluating P rate and placement for strip till sugar beet production. Wheat Dr. Brad Brown will continue studies on enhanced N fertilizers for improving N utilization by winter and spring wheat. Soybeans Dr. Amber Moore and Dr. Don Morishita will evaluate the potential for edamame in southern Idaho, focusing on varying nitrogen rates and inoculant applications. Alfalfa Christi Falen, Cindy Kinder, and Lauren Hunter are conducting an organic trial on dryland alfalfa and barley in Blaine and Camas Counties using in collaboration with UI-Moscow and WSU. Montana State University Personnel Grant Jackson will retire in 2010 and MSU is currently accepting applications for his replacement. Announcement is at: http://www.montana.edu/cgi-bin/msuinfo/fpview/f/1049-2 Ongoing Research Urea Volatilization  Dr. Rick Engel and Dr. Clain Jones continue to study ammonia volatilization from urea fertilizer and Agrotain. Preliminary results suggest that part of the 3-state Extension Bulletin, Management Practices to Minimize Urea Volatilization, will require rewriting, and we have recently received WSARE funding to do it and to continue this study for three more years. Overwinter Mineralization  Drs. Jones, Robert Stougaard, Grant Jackson, Mal Westcott, Kent McVay, Chengci Chen, Joyce Eckhoff, Andy Lenssen, Perry Miller and Ms. Peggy Lamb are evaluating the extent and causes of overwinter N mineralization. The results will allow those who fall soil sample to adjust soil N values in determining spring N fertilizer rates. Cropping Systems  Drs. Miller, Chen, Buschena and Jones are studying the energetics of N fertilizer use compared to legume N contributions for a USDA-NRI grant. Drs. Perry Miller and Chengci Chen continue to investigate the effect of previous crop (legumes, brassicas, small grains) and crop rotation on N requirements and availability. Dr. Miller, Clain Jones, and Rick Engel are investigating N and P availability following pea and lentil green manures. Drs. Chen and Jones are studying the effects of tillage on N availability. Nitrogen fixation  Dr. Jones is studying the effects of legume green manure seeding and termination timing on N fixation in a field study. He is also evaluating the effects of phosphorus and mycorrhizae inoculation on N fixation in a greenhouse study. Warm Season Crops Drs. Westcott and Ken Kephart are studying the N benefits of soybeans in Montana, and N requirements for irrigated corn, and have recently initiated a study evaluating optical sensors for irrigated corn. Precision Nutrient Management  Dr. Jackson is investigating the effectiveness of optical sensors in assessing the need for topdress applications on small grains. Oilseeds  Dr. Heather Mason, Northwest Agricultural Research Center, is evaluating the effects of N and S on camelina and canola seed yield and quality. New Mexico State University Accomplishments for multi-state CSREES report: There were 20 learning events held over the previous 12 months that covered the following topics: 1) Soil salinity and management, 2) Soil pH as it affects nutrient availability and how neutralizing pH increases soil salinity, 3) Soil testing as a method of improving fertilizer use, 4) What to watch out for from manures and composts, 5) Benefits to soil structure and soil fertility when using cover crops, green manures, or mulches. Approximately 700 individuals attended these sessions. Soil test interpretations and recommendations were made for 900 samples submitted by New Mexico residents to the NMSU Soil Water and Agricultural Testing Lab. Retirements LeRoy Daugherty, NMSU ACES Experiment Station Director New Hires: John Idowu. Extension Agronomist, Soil Quality. Las Cruces Campus. Shengui Yao. Fruit Specialist. Sustainable Ag Center at Alcalde. Ongoing Research / Extension Projects: Chile (Capsicum annuum L.) nutrient management across the Chile Belt. Flynn & Lindemann. Boron management for chile. Flynn & Lindemann. Composting Large Animal Mortality. A project with WSARE program. Davis (CSU) et al. Onion performance with cover crops: an irrigation and soil fertility project. Unc & Flynn Washington State Joan Davenport Current research areas: Late season foliar N to wine grape: Comparison of organic and conventional N applied in the vineyard post veraison to increase fruit N levels for improved fermentation and flavor qualities. N management in Concord grape: Rates and timing study looking at rates from 0  80 lbs/A N focused in spring or fall application for maximizing yield within the parameters of target quality levels. Micronutrient management in Concord grape: Comparison of granular or foliar applications of Cu, B, and Zn in the early season to improve Concord yield and quality. Mow and Blow Legumes for N in Organic Apples: Evaluating N release and availability when 4 different legumes are grown in orchard middle rows, mowed and blown into the rows to supply the seasons N. Evaluation of Soil Test P in Columbia Basin Soils: Comparison of crop response to P additions in low or high pH and low or high soil test P. Evaluating several soil test extraction methods to determine which extraction is best suited to the range of soil pH conditions. Rich Koenig Current research -areas Kentucky bluegrass response to nitrogen sources and rates. This study evaluates seed yield and apparent N recovery from a variety of conventional and slow release nitrogen sources. Spatial variability of phosphorus in eastern Washington. Ongoing project to determine drivers in spatial variability in plant-available phosphorus. Also, how recent soil acidification affects phosphorus chemistry and availability. Wyoming PROJECT TITLE : Long-term agricultural systems research at SAREC. Dates: 11/15/2006 to 01/01/2010. Description: Extension/applied research. Development of research team and initiation of planning process for initial funding of long-term, multi-disciplinary project. Cooperator(s): Bret Hess, Gary Franc, Rik Smith, Dannele Peck, Ben Rashford, Mike Smith, John Hewlett, others PROJECT TITLE : Planning on-farm research to evaluate conservation tillage practices in SE Wyoming. Dates: 10/01/2006 to 12/31/2009. Description: Extension/applied research. Very few dryland farmers in SE Wyoming practice conservation tillage. We are planning research to evaluate soil processes and economic implications on some of the few farms under conservation tillage in that region. Cooperator(s): Jim Krall, Pete Stahl, Thijs Kelleners, Sandra Frost, Dallas Mount, Dannele Peck Extension) ALP CAP and MAP Proficiency Programs Robert Miller, Colorado State University - PT Program Coordinator The 2010 Agricultural Laboratory Proficiency (ALP) Program enrollment increased 15% over 2009, with 62 laboratories. The ALP 2010 scope of analytical methods have been increased to 126 analytical test methods and includes WERA-103 method S-3.60, soil nitrogen mineralizable potential. Forty-two soils have been procured for future use in the ALP proficiency program, of which 18 were collected from the WERA-103 region. For 2010 a laboratory soil nematode proficiency program will begin in July, with focus on nematode populations that impact crops in the western US and midwest. In conjunction with the Soil and Plant Analysis Council three laboratory workshops were conducted in the past year, 2 of which were in the WERA-103 region. A manuscript comparing soil pH methods of the United States compiled from proficiency program laboratory data, has been published in SSSAJ, 2010 January-February issue, by R. Miller and D. Kissel. The Manure Analysis Proficiency program has an enrollment of 68 labs enrolled and is administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). It is required for labs seeking formal certification of manure testing by MDA. In conjunction with the California Water Quality Control Board Dairy Regulations, a methods manual covering manure, soil and botanical analysis has been written and is in editorial review. Each method is described in 12 sections, covering the scope of analysis, equipment, reagents, procedure, quality control, accuracy, safety and literature references, which will be published by UC Davis, authors R. Miller, D Holstege, P. Price and D. Meyers. The Soil and Plant Analysis Councils International Symposium on Soil and Plant Analysis (ISSPA) was held in Santa Rosa, CA July 20-24th, 2009. 107 delegates attended representing 19 countries. The program included 11 plenary sessions which included: turf and landscape, viticulture, precision Ag, laboratory testing and tissue testing interpretation. The 12th ISSPA will be held June 5-10th, 2011 in Chania on the island of Crete, Greece.