Half of the program will be a discussion by area crop specialist George Cummins about current issues in crop production. Farmers can be certified by passing a test and the Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship will offer the test at the Mint in Protivin on January 17. Commercial applicators may also test that day. There are bascially five types of chemical deicers and sometimes there are mixtures. Sodium chloride or common rock salt has been used for years, but is corrosive to steel and concrete and can burn plants.
Calcium chloride is a different form of salt.
It is effective at much lower temperatures than other deicers. Potassium chloride another form is more likely to harm plants than other deicers. Plain urea fertilizer can be used and it will also act as a fertilizer on plants. Calcium magnesium acetate is a salt free melting agent made from limestone and acetic acid. It has little impact on plants and is used on bridges and enrivonmentally sensitive areas.