November 16, 2004
Hoosiers to discuss carbon sequestration at Purdue conference
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University will be the host of a conference focusing on land management practices in no-till farming and the importance of retaining carbon in the soil.
Carbon Sequestration: Opportunities in the Eastern Corn Belt will take place Dec. 15-16 at the Adam's Mark hotel, 2544 Executive Drive, Indianapolis.
As a member of the Consortium of Agricultural Soils Mitigation of Greenhouse Gases (CASMGS), the Purdue chapter will sponsor the conference this year.
"We will discuss why more people aren't utilizing carbon sequestration and the benefits associated with no-till farming," said Ron Turco, Purdue CASMGS coordinator and professor of agronomy. "Farming practices such as no-till systems help to retain carbon levels in the soil, improving the overall quality of the soil and lessening the impact of global warming."
This program is geared toward agricultural organizations, business representatives, industry and conservation groups, farmers, and people who work with the farming community, as well as interested individuals.
Registration will begin at 5 p.m. on Dec. 15, followed by a 6:30 p.m. reception. The program will continue on Dec. 16 with registration at 7:30 a.m. and opening remarks at 8 a.m. from Turco and Randy Woodson, interim dean of Purdue Agriculture.
During the conference, presenters will discuss the various roles of individuals, industry and governments in carbon trading programs. Featured speakers also will talk about what is necessary for this region to become more involved in carbon programs, Turco said.
Other topics include an overview of CASMGS, update on regional tillage trends, emerging federal programs, national policies involved with carbon sequestration, management practices, tillage and residue management, crop rotation, manure and fertility management, and the economic incentives in carbon sequestration.
There also will be a forum to discuss what is and isn't working in no-till farming, Turco said.
The $50 conference registration fee is due by Dec. 8. The cost includes hors d'oeuvres, lunch and conference materials. Checks can be made payable to Purdue University.
Hotel reservations can be made at the Adam's Mark by calling (800) 444-ADAM. Conference attendees will receive a special conference rate by mentioning the CASMGS conference.
More information is available online at Purdue's CASMGS Web site or by contacting Turco at (765) 494-8077, rturco@purdue.edu.
Writer: Meggie Issler, (765) 494-8402, missler@purdue.edu
Source: Ronald Turco, (765) 494-8077, rturco@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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