UMN Extension Nutrient Management Podcast

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about soybean fertilizer management. What should farmers who are growing soybeans this year be thinking about, including IDC concerns from last year? What does new research tell us about soybean and sulfur? Are there other nutrients or practices that our panelists do or don't suggest for soybean based on current research? What tips do our panelists have for Minnesota soybean growers looking to increase yield?Guests:Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Jeff Vetsch, U of M researcher (Waseca)Seth Naeve, Extension soybean agronomist (St. Paul)Additional resources:Managing iron deficiency chlorosis in soybeanIs it worth applying sulfur to your soybean crop?Sulfur fertilizer application: Does S carry over from one year to the next?Soybean fertilizer guidelines---For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode! And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website.If you have questions or comments, please email us at nutmgmt@umn.eduSupport for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com.

This episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast is our 2024 Spring fertilizer outlook: Key decisions after a warm winter. What are the field conditions our panelists are seeing across the state? What options for early fertilizer application should Minnesota growers consider? What practices should be avoided-and why? Should growers be concerned about nitrogen carryover? What economic practices should growers keep in mind as the season begins?Guests:Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Fabian Fernandez, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Lindsay Pease, Extension nutrient and water management specialist (Crookston)Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato) Additional resources:Corn fertilizer guidelinesSoybean fertilizer guidelinesFINBIN - The Farm Financial Management Database---For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode! And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website.If you have questions or comments, please email us at nutmgmt@umn.edu.Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com.

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about cover crops in Minnesota: Recent challenges and future solutions. What were the cover crop issues for 2022 and 2023? Based on the conditions right now and from last spring, what might some good management practices be going forward? What was the decision-making process for a panelist adjusting rye seeding rate requirements in the fall of 2024 when drilled. What advice would the panel have for someone brand new to cover crops, and who has concerns that were exacerbated by this last cycle? Guests:Anna Cates, Extension soil health specialist (St. Paul)Jeff Vetsch, U of M researcher (Waseca)Jared House, Grant County Soil & Water Conservation District (Elbow Lake)Ryan Buetow, Minnesota NRCS State Agronomist (St. Paul)Additional resources:Why did cover crops cause issues in Minnesota the last two years and what should growers do going forward?Recording of Feb. 2024 Strategic Farming webinar on "Thirsty cover crops: Do they impact our cash crops?"Register for Cover Crop Academy: New hybrid, year-long, statewide course starts June 2024Growing cover crops in Minnesota: 4 great resources to get you startedCover crop recipes (Midwest Cover Crops Council)Grant County SWCDMinnesota NRCS---For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode! And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website.If you have questions or comments, please email us at nutmgmt@umn.edu!Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com.

This episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast is our 2023 AFREC research roundup. What is AFREC and how does it help our panelists conduct their research? What AFREC-funded projects are they currently working on? Have there been any interesting findings from the 2023 growing season? What have been our panelists’ favorite AFREC research projects and why? What would happen if AFREC were to go away? Guests:Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Jeff Vetsch, U of M researcher (Waseca)Lindsay Pease, Extension nutrient and water management specialist (Crookston)Fabian Fernandez, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Additional Resources:2024 Nutrient Management, and Nitrogen conferencesAFREC websiteAFREC videoMDA web page on AFREC---For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode! And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website.Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com.

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about nitrogen management and water quality in southeast Minnesota. What is the situation in southeast Minnesota and why is it different from the rest of the state? What is the history of this work in southeast Minnesota on nitrogen issues? What is being done about the situation, and what are our current recommendations for southeast MN? Where does our panel see this issue going in the future?Guests:Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)Jeff Vetsch, U of M researcher (Waseca)Greg Klinger, Olmsted County Soil and Water Conservation District (Rochester)Additional resources:How to interpret a water test for nitrateWatershed planning and nitrate reduction podcastSix observations from six years of tile sampling for nitrates in southeast MinnesotaNitrogen SmartNitrogen management: Two on-farm research programs offer Minnesota corn growers opportunity to improve N fertilizer practicesMinnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP): Impacts on farm economics and the environmentOlmsted County Soil and Water Conservation DistrictSoutheast Minnesota Groundwater ResourcesFertilizing Corn in Minnesota---For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode! And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website.Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com.

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about edge of field N and P reduction strategies. What is an edge of field practice and why are they used? What specific practices do our panelists have experience with, and which have the most potential for use in Minnesota? Are these practices a farmer can pursue alone, or do they require local government to be involved? What assistance is available for farmers who are interested in one of these practices? Guests:Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato) Laura Christianson, researcher, U of M Department of Soil, Water, and Climate (St. Paul)Jeff Strock, Extension soil scientist (Lamberton)Additional resources:Minnesota Nutrient Reduction StrategyNRCS MinnesotaMinnesota SWCDs on the webSWROC Soil & Agricultural Water ManagementVideo: A Holistic Approach to Managing Agricultural Drainage WaterBioreactors: Reducing water pollution with microbes and wood chipsPodcast: Watershed planning and nitrate reductionNitrogen Smart online coursesPlan to attend Nitrogen, Nutrient Management Conferences in February 2024 in St. Cloud, MankatoHow to interpret a water test for nitrateBefore applying manure, check the Runoff Risk Advisory Forecast---For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode! And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website.Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com.

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about fall soil sampling. What do conditions look like around the state? Is there a best time to take soil samples in the fall? What should you watch out for when sampling dry fields? What should you keep in mind when using grid versus zone soil sampling?Guests:Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato) Lindsay Pease, Extension nutrient and water management specialist (Crookston)Fabian Fernandez, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Additional resources:Video: How to take a soil sampleUnderstanding the soil test reportFall fertilizer outlook: Prices, drought, N sources, soil testing, and moreU of M fertilizer recommendations by cropNitrogen Smart’s online course adds advanced sessions on manure management, the 4RsLearn about your land using the Web Soil SurveyFinbin---For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode! And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website.Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com.

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about fall manure best practices. What are some best management practices for the fall manure application season? If you're a crop farmer thinking about getting manure this fall, what information do you need from the producer or the manure applicator? What are some things to look out for? What's on the horizon for manure application? What are some practical safety solutions surrounding manure and the application of manure?Guests:Melissa Wilson, Extension manure nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Kevin Erb, Director, Conservation Professional Training Program, University of WI - MadisonDaniel Andersen, Extension specialist and assistant professor, Iowa State UniversityAdditional resources:Manure research in Minnesota - U of M Extension StorymapConservation Professional Training ProgramThe Manure Scoop blogRunoff Risk Advisory ForecastDo the "4R's" apply to manure? You betcha!Tips for fall manure application, and how to avoid nutrient loss---For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode! And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website.Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com.

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about the fall fertilizer outlook for 2023. What are growing conditions looking like around the state? What is the current status of fertilizer prices and availability in Minnesota? What should growers be thinking about heading into fall? There is a lot of talk about environmental issues related to fertilizer use and the potential for future regulation. How should that play into application decisions for this fall?Guests:Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Jeff Strock, Extension soil scientist (Lamberton)Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato) Additional resources:Nitrogen Smart Online Course2023 Fertilizer Guidelines for Agronomic Crops in Minnesota publication now availableMaking sense of Minnesota’s corn fertilizer guidelines: Frequently asked questions and answersIDC in soybean: 4 things to know about managing iron deficiency chlorosisBefore applying manure, check the Runoff Risk Advisory ForecastNitrogen-fixing biological products: New report summarizes research from across the Corn Belt---For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode! And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website.Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com.

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about measuring and building soil carbon, and some challenges and solutions for farmers and researchers. Why is carbon in the soil being considered as a credit in the global carbon cycle? What practices change soil carbon? What makes soil carbon complicated to measure? What do you think is the ideal (or is there an ideal) carbon measurement scheme and what would it look like? What new research exists to address some of these challenges? Is Minnesota uniquely positioned in any way to contribute to solving these issues?Guests:Anna Cates, Extension soil health specialist (St. Paul)Jessica Gutknecht, faculty, U of M Department of Soil, Water, and Climate (St. Paul)Gregg Sanford, research scientist, U of Wisc Department of Plant and Agra Ecosystem Sciences (Madison)Additional Resources:Contact information for Anna Cates: catesa@umn.eduContact information for Gregg Sanford: gsanford@wisc.eduSOCNETMN Farmers Union Guide to Carbon MarketsCarbon markets: Paying farmers to reduce tillage, plant cover cropsMinnesota Office for Soil HealthSPRUCE--- For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode! And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website.Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re discussing nitrogen decision tools. How much are we actually at risk of losing fall or spring applied nitrogen because soils are saturated in May? What options do we have to assess nitrogen loss following heavy rain? If a grower is planning on applying nitrogen in season, what suggestions would you have for sources, timing, placement, and inhibitors? How late in the growing season can you apply nitrogen and what should you consider?

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re discussing soybean fertilizer management. What does the research say on whether foliar application of liquid fertilizer increases yield? Are other nutrients such as sulfur or nitrogen recommended? What nutrients or practices are not suggested for soybean? Guests:Fabian Fernandez, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Seth Naeve, Extension soybean agronomist (St. Paul)Jeff Vetch, U of M researcher (Waseca)Additional resources:New study finds foliar fertilizers rarely increase soybean yieldSoybean fertilizer guidelinesSoybean nutrient calculatorManaging iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) in soybeans ---For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode! And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website.Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about the spring fertilizer outlook for 2023. Will the dry conditions last year have repercussions for how fertilizer is managed this year? What considerations should growers be making regarding fertilizer for a potentially late spring? Is there any new research on fertilizer products like biologicals or inhibitors that Minnesota growers should be aware of?Guests:Brad Carlson (bcarlson@umn.edu), Extension educator (Mankato). Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Jeff Vetsch,  U of M researcher (Waseca)Additional resources:For the second year in row, taking a pre-plant soil nitrate test this spring could pay bigPlanting or nitrogen application: With a wet spring, which one comes first?Nutrient Management Podcast: Phosphorus and potassium application in a late springWhat's new on the topic of biostimulants?---For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode! And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website.Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about fertilizing lawns and gardens. Why is proper nutrient management for lawns and gardens important? What should home gardeners and lawn caretakers know about nutrient management? Why is phosphorus fertilizer use restricted in the Twin Cities metro area and on lawns in Minnesota? What can gardeners and lawn caretakers do to protect local water quality?Guests:Carl Rosen, Extension nutrient management specialistNatalie Hoidal, Extension educator - local foods and vegetable cropsJon Trappe, Extension educator - turfgrassChristy Marsden, Master Gardener Volunteer ProgramAdditional Resources:Soil Testing LabYard and Garden NewsYard and Garden YouTube channelFertilizing LawnsAsk a Master Gardener---For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode! And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website.Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about watershed planning and nitrate reduction. What are watershed plans and what goes into them? How do watershed plans affect nutrient management decision-making? What should farmers know about edge-of-field and nutrient management planning in relation to water quality goals?Guests:Wayne Cords, Minnesota Pollution Control AgencyBrad Carlson, Extension nutrient management specialist (Mankato)Jeff Strock, Extension soil scientist (Lamberton)Additional Resources:Advanced Nitrogen Smart, Feb. 13 - March 17 at various locations around the stateMinnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy (MPCA)One Watershed, One Plan (MN BWSR)Where Can I Get Support? (MN BWSR)Minnesota State Programs (USDA FSA)

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about variable rate technology. What are some reasons that farmers might want to use variable-rate fertilizer instead of applying a single rate? Is there a difference between variable rating, different nutrient types? What are the technologies that are used to prescribe variable-rate fertilizer and what is the theory behind them? If farmers apply fertilizer at a variable rate, how should they evaluate those outcomes?Guests:Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato) Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Jeff Vetch, Extension nutrient management researcher (Waseca)Additional resources:Variable rate nitrogen and nitrogen advisory tools: Do they work?Fertilizer recommendation technology: What is success?On-farm precision ag research update: In-season site-specific side-dress nitrogen rate recommendations for corn

In this episode, three University of Minnesota experts discuss biostimulants. What's new on the topic of biostimulants? What new research is there related to biostimulants? How should farmers go about testing biostimulant products?Guests: Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist Carl Rosen, Extension nutrient management specialistLindsay Pease, Extension nutrient management specialist (NWROC - Crookston)Additional resources:Compendium of Research Reports on Use of Non-Traditional Materials for Crop ProductionShould farmers consider biostimulant products?Biostimulants: What are they and do they work?U of M fertilizer guidelines by crop---For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode! And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website.Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about soil test myths. First, why is it important to discuss these pervasive myths surrounding soil tests? Myth 1: the Mehlich-3 test is a better test for farmers to consider: Myth 2: I can predict my nitrogen requirement with the cation exchange capacity test. Myth 3: K base saturation is the better way to predict potassium. Myth 4: I need to run an analysis of all micronutrients.Guests:Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato) Carl Rosen, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Additional resources:https://blog-crop-news.extension.umn.edu/2021/02/what-is-best-soil-test-option-for.htmlhttps://extension.umn.edu/testing-and-analysis/understanding-soil-test-reporthttps://extension.umn.edu/crop-specific-needs/fertilizing-corn-minnesotahttps://extension.umn.edu/crop-specific-needs/soybean-fertilizer-guidelineshttps://blog-crop-news.extension.umn.edu/2019/07/video-micronutrients-small-but-mighty.html---For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode! And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website.Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we discuss surgarbeet nutrient management. How did Minnesota become the nation's top sugarbeet producer? What are some highlights from past sugarbeet nutrient management research in Minnesota? What current studies does the U of M have on sugarbeet nutrient management? What else should growers know about sugarbeet nutrient management?Guests:Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Melissa Wilson, Extension manure nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Lindsay Pease, Extension nutrient and water management specialist (Crookston)John Lamb, professor emeritus, Department of Soil, Water and Climate (St. Paul)Additional Resources:U of M sugarbeet fertilizer guidelinesCover crop options for pre-pile sugarbeetIs Minnesota really one of the nation's top sugar producers? (Star Tribune)---For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode! And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website.Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com

In this episode, we’re talking about phosphorus and potassium guidelines. Why do P and K guidelines differ from state to state? What is the best way to collect soil samples, and are there benefits from grid sampling? Are there any new technologies out there that may replace soil testing in the future?Guests:Daniel Kaiser, nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Jeff Vetch, nutrient management specialist (Waseca)Antonio Mallarino, soil fertility and nutrient management specialist (Iowa State University)Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, soil fertility specialist (Kansas State University)Additional resources:University of Minnesota - corn fertilizer guidelinesIowa State University - soil fertilityKansas State University - soil fertility recommendationsIs build-and-maintain a viable strategy for crop nutrient management?What is the best soil test option for phosphorus?Nutrient Management Podcast: Optimal P and K levels in the soil5 tips for cutting phosphorus, potassium fertilizer costs---For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode! And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website.Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com