UMN Extension Nutrient Management Podcast

University of Minnesota Extension
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Natural Sciences
  • Updated Monthly

Welcome to University of Minnesota Extension's Nutrient Management Podcast. Each month we bring you the latest research in nutrient management for crops and how you can incorporate the latest tips and best management practices to your farm.

  1. Irrigation practices in MN: Benefits and risks, partnerships & the importance of nutrient management

    Jun 18

    Irrigation practices in MN: Benefits and risks, partnerships & the importance of nutrient management

    University of Minnesota Extension’s two-day field School for Ag Professionals is coming up July 29 and July 30, 2026. If you’re an agronomist, a retailer, dealer or consultant, if you’re a summer field scout - we encourage you to attend these small-group, hands-on sessions led in the field by experienced instructors.  Early bird registration ends July 1, and 12 Certified Crop Advisor CEUs credits are available. For all the details, including info on lodging, visit z.umn.edu/agfieldschool2026 Irrigation is the topic of discussion of today's episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast. What are current irrigation conditions in Minnesota? How is the aquifer in the Central Sands region recharged, and why is it so important to manage nutrients efficiently when irrigating? What new irrigation and nutrient management research is being conducted by the University of Minnesota? What are some of the benefits and risks associated with irrigation - and what practices might a farmer want to focus on first? What partnerships and financial resources are available for Minnesota farmers interested in adopting irrigation practices? Are there smaller practices that a grower new to irrigation might want to consider? What have farmers reported back to our panelists after having adopted irrigation practices? What are irrigation practices like throughout the rest of the country, and how does Minnesota differ? All this and more on today's show. Guests Vasu Sharma, Extension irrigation specialist, Dept. of Soil, Water, and Climate (St. Paul)Carl Rosen, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Tim Gieseke, Extension educator, Ag Water Management (Mankato)Additional Resources Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)National Resources Conservation Service - MinnesotaMinnesota Soil and Water Conservation DistrictsResearch shows precision irrigation technology can improve irrigation water productivity in cornIrrigation ManagementNutrient management for irrigated crops in MN: Corn, potatoes, & edible beans--- For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast. 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 X (formerly 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. Remember to register for Ag Field School 2026 at the University of Minnesota: z.umn.edu/agfieldschool2026

    27 min
  2. Sidedressing nitrogen: The rationale, past research & potential risks in split-applying

    Jun 2

    Sidedressing nitrogen: The rationale, past research & potential risks in split-applying

    University of Minnesota Extension’s two-day field School for Ag Professionals is coming up July 29 and July 30, 2026. If you’re an agronomist, a retailer, dealer or consultant, if you’re a summer field scout - we encourage you to attend these small-group, hands-on sessions led in the field by experienced instructors.  Early bird registration ends July 1, and 12 Certified Crop Advisor CEUs credits are available. For all the details, including info on lodging, visit z.umn.edu/agfieldschool2026 Brad Carlson and Dan Kaiser discuss sidedressing in today's Advancing Nitrogen Smart Podcast episode. What's the big-picture rationale behind sidedressing? How can sidedressing or split-applying be beneficial in terms of avoiding nitrogen loss? Since nitrogen uptake isn't linear, what growth stages coincide with peak daily demand on the crop? Are there any significant risks in starting a sidedress application early in the season? What have past experiments shown regarding positive and / or negative responses to sidedressing? How should inhibitors be used with sidedress / topdress? What should farmers know about soil types and tile drainage when making sidedress decisions? This and much more on the 37th episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart podcast series. Guests: Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)Dan Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul) Additional resources: Things to consider when sidedressing nitrogenSplit-applying nitrogen for corn: Three keys for successful sidedress applications (YouTube)What's the right PSNT number? New research refines the critical threshold for corn nitrogen decisions in MinnesotaAre split applications of nitrogen fertilizer in Minnesota worth it?Supplemental nitrogen fertilizer: Is it time to pull the trigger?--- For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast. 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 X (formerly twitter), and visit our website. If you have questions or comments, please email us at nutmgmt@umn.edu. Advancing Nitrogen Smart is proud to be supported by the farm families of Minnesota and their corn check-off investment through Minnesota Corn. Remember to register for Ag Field School 2026 at the University of Minnesota: z.umn.edu/agfieldschool2026

    30 min
  3. Sugarbeet nutrient management: Best practices, guidelines & new research for MN growers

    May 21

    Sugarbeet nutrient management: Best practices, guidelines & new research for MN growers

    University of Minnesota Extension’s two-day field School for Ag Professionals is coming up July 29 and July 30, 2026. If you’re an agronomist, a retailer, dealer or consultant, if you’re a summer field scout - we encourage you to attend these small-group, hands-on sessions led in the field by experienced instructors.  Early bird registration ends July 1, and 12 Certified Crop Advisor CEUs credits are available. For all the details, including info on lodging, visit z.umn.edu/agfieldschool2026 Minnesota is the nation's top producer of sugarbeets by acreage. Today we're discussing sugarbeet nutrient management on the Nutrient Management Podcast. What are the fertilizer guidelines for sugarbeets right now, and how are they revised? What sugarbeet research studies are currently underway at the University of Minnesota? Are there any considerations when fertilizing sugarbeets with manure? What should farmers know about micronutrients, or about timing? What makes sugarbeets such effective nitrogen scavengers? All this and more on today's episode. Guests: Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Melissa Wilson, Extension manure nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)John Lamb, Professor Emeritus in Department of Soil, Water and Climate (St. Paul)Additional resources: Sugarbeet fertilizer guidelinesNew sugarbeet fertilizer guidelines for Minnesota: What to know about nitrogen and micronutrient managementManureDBUnharvested sugarbeets in your fields this spring? Here are some nutrient management considerationsTissue sampling tips for corn, soybean, sugarbeet and wheatUrea and sugarbeet stand loss: Should growers change how they manage nitrogen?— For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast. 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 X (formerly 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. Remember to register for Ag Field School 2026 at the University of Minnesota: z.umn.edu/agfieldschool2026

    26 min
  4. Nitrates & placement: Factors for reducing nitrogen loss to water

    May 6

    Nitrates & placement: Factors for reducing nitrogen loss to water

    University of Minnesota Extension’s two-day field School for Ag Professionals is coming up July 29 and July 30, 2026. If you’re an agronomist, a retailer, dealer or consultant, if you’re a summer field scout - we encourage you to attend these small-group, hands-on sessions led in the field by experienced instructors.  Early bird registration ends July 1, and 12 Certified Crop Advisor CEUs credits are available. For all the details, including info on lodging, visit z.umn.edu/agfieldschool2026 We’re talking all about nitrate management and placement as important factors for reducing nitrogen loss to water on today's episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart Podcast series. Different forms of nitrogen have their own potential for loss. How does nitrogen already in the nitrate form differ from ammonium for example? How does basic soil science slow down or speed up nitrogen transformation? Why can't nitrates be easily stabilized in the fall in Minnesota? How do other factors like pH affect nitrogen transformation? This and much more in today's discussion. Guests: Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)Dan Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Additional resources: Nitrogen placement: What MN farmers should know about depth, incorporation, loss pathways, and moreHow 4R Nutrient Stewardship can help Minnesota farmersFour things I’ve learned about nitrogen management for corn based on a decade of research in MinnesotaSix observations from six years of tile sampling for nitrates in southeast MinnesotaNitrogen BMPs and nitrate water quality issues in southeast Minnesota: What should growers be thinking about?--- For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast. 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 X (formerly twitter), and visit our website. If you have questions or comments, please email us at nutmgmt@umn.edu. Advancing Nitrogen Smart is proud to be supported by the farm families of Minnesota and their corn check-off investment through Minnesota Corn. Remember to register for Ag Field School 2026 at the University of Minnesota: z.umn.edu/agfieldschool2026

    35 min
  5. The pre-sidedress nitrate test (PSNT): Sampling, standards & values to know

    Apr 22

    The pre-sidedress nitrate test (PSNT): Sampling, standards & values to know

    University of Minnesota Extension’s two-day field School for Ag Professionals is coming up July 29 and July 30, 2026. If you’re an agronomist, a retailer, dealer or consultant, if you’re a summer field scout - we encourage you to attend these small-group, hands-on sessions led in the field by experienced instructors.  Early bird registration ends July 1, and 12 Certified Crop Advisor CEUs credits are available. For all the details, including info on lodging, visit z.umn.edu/agfieldschool2026 Brad and Jeff continue their discussion about variable rate nitrogen technology by zeroing in on the pre-sidedress nitrate test (PSNT). What are key differences between the PSNT and the pre-plant nitrate test (PPNT)? What growth stage should the crop reach before taking a PSNT? How have sampling and storage procedures evolved from past years? How variable can samples actually be within the same zone and between zones? What should farmers watch out for when interpreting test results? Do different methods of N application produce different PSNT results? How about timing? Manure? What's N's 'critical value' in Minnesota? All these answers and more in-depth discussion on today's episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart Podcast. Guests: Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)Jeff Vetsch, Lead researcher, Southern Research and Outreach Center (Waseca) Additional resources: What’s the right PSNT number? New research refines the critical threshold for corn nitrogen decisions in MinnesotaVideo: 6 takeaways on the pre-sidedress nitrate testTips for Accurate Pre-Sidedress Nitrate TestsSplit-applying nitrogen for corn: Three keys for successful sidedress applicationsUnderstanding nitrogen in soils--- For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast. 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 X (formerly twitter), and visit our website. If you have questions or comments, please email us at nutmgmt@umn.edu. Advancing Nitrogen Smart is proud to be supported by the farm families of Minnesota and their corn check-off investment through Minnesota Corn. Remember to register for Ag Field School 2026 at the University of Minnesota: z.umn.edu/agfieldschool2026

    38 min
  6. Spring fertilizer outlook: How is price volatility impacting input planning in 2026?

    Apr 7

    Spring fertilizer outlook: How is price volatility impacting input planning in 2026?

    University of Minnesota Extension’s two-day field School for Ag Professionals is coming up July 29 and July 30, 2026. If you’re an agronomist, a retailer, dealer or consultant, if you’re a summer field scout - we encourage you to attend these small-group, hands-on sessions led in the field by experienced instructors.  Early bird registration ends July 1, and 12 Certified Crop Advisor CEUs credits are available. For all the details, including info on lodging, visit z.umn.edu/agfieldschool2026 Early April means it's time for the Spring Fertilizer Outlook here on the Nutrient Management Podcast. Our panel of four specialists and researchers begin by discussing current field conditions throughout Minnesota. World events affecting farmers and other ag professionals are top-of-mind right now. How is price volatility impacting input planning - or is it? Should farmers consider changes to their management plans, and /or potentially cut back on specific inputs? If so, which ones and why? Does soil testing become more important during times when other costs are high? As our panelists talk with farmers across Minnesota, what silver linings and bright spots have they noticed in today's ag environment, and why is it important to keep these in mind? All this and much more on today's episode. Guests: Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Jeff Vetsch, Lead SROC researcher (Waseca)Lindsay Pease, Extension nutrient and water management specialist (Crookston)Additional Resources: cornnratecalc.org (MRTN rate calculator)Are you overspending on fertilizer?Drought conditions overviewPhosphorus: Rate guidelines, sources & best practices for Minnesota, Midwest farmersDo biostimulant seed treatments boost soybean yields? New study across 103 locations in 22 states says noNutrient management---  For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast. 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 X (formerly 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. Remember to register for Ag Field School 2026 at the University of Minnesota: z.umn.edu/agfieldschool2026

    34 min
  7. Active sensors & variable rate nitrogen: What MN farmers should know

    Mar 26

    Active sensors & variable rate nitrogen: What MN farmers should know

    University of Minnesota Extension’s two-day field School for Ag Professionals is coming up July 29 and July 30, 2026. If you’re an agronomist, a retailer, dealer or consultant, if you’re a summer field scout - we encourage you to attend these small-group, hands-on sessions led in the field by experienced instructors.  Early bird registration ends July 1, and 12 Certified Crop Advisor CEUs credits are available. For all the details, including info on lodging, visit z.umn.edu/agfieldschool2026 Brad Carlson and Jeff Vetsch talk about variable rate sensors on today's Advancing Nitrogen Smart Podcast episode. What is meant by the term 'active sensors' and what data do active sensors capture? Which specific brands of sensors have the Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC) researched, and how did they perform? What stage does corn need to reach before sensors can best contribute to variable rate decision making? How do other field variables like soil texture or irrigation systems contribute (or not) to variable rate sensing? Join us today for part one of a two-part discussion on variable rate technology with Brad and Jeff. Guests: Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)Jeff Vetsch, Lead researcher at the Southern Research and Outreach Center (Waseca)Additional Resources: 5 Things to consider for sensor-based nitrogen managementVariable rate nitrogen and nitrogen advisory tools: Do they work?Variable rate technology: How should farmers evaluate outcomes?Things to consider when sidedressing nitrogenNitrogen smartNitrogen-- For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast. 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 X (formerly twitter), and visit our website. If you have questions or comments, please email us at nutmgmt@umn.edu. Advancing Nitrogen Smart is proud to be supported by the farm families of Minnesota and their corn check-off investment through Minnesota Corn. Remember to register for Ag Field School 2026 at the University of Minnesota: z.umn.edu/agfieldschool2026

    22 min
  8. Phosphorus: Rate guidelines, sources & best practices for Minnesota, Midwest farmers

    Mar 17

    Phosphorus: Rate guidelines, sources & best practices for Minnesota, Midwest farmers

    University of Minnesota Extension’s two-day field School for Ag Professionals is coming up July 29 and July 30, 2026. If you’re an agronomist, a retailer, dealer or consultant, if you’re a summer field scout - we encourage you to attend these small-group, hands-on sessions led in the field by experienced instructors.  Early bird registration ends July 1, and 12 Certified Crop Advisor CEUs credits are available. For all the details, including info on lodging, visit z.umn.edu/agfieldschool2026 Today on the Nutrient Management Podcast we discuss phosphorus with experts from Minnesota and across the Midwest. Why are Midwest phosphorus guidelines different from state to state? Are Minnesota's current P guidelines satisfactory - or do states' P guidelines need revision? Would a P-rate calculator that incorporates economics be a useful tool, similar to nitrogen's MRTN calculator? What 'Phosphorus & the 4R's' tips and suggestions do our Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois and South Dakota panelists recommend for area farmers? Nitrates and water quality issues continue to be top-of-mind - would switching P sources be beneficial? What new and ongoing phosphorus-related research projects are panelists watching? All this and much more on today's show. Guests: Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)John Jones, soil fertility, plant nutrition, and nutrient management research, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL)Jason Clark, Extension soil fertility specialist, South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD)Manbir Rakkar, assistant professor, soil fertility and nutrient management, The Ohio State University (Brewster, OH) Additional resources: Understanding phosphorus in Minnesota soilsVideos of the 2026 Nutrient Management and Nitrogen Conferences are now availablePhosphorus fertilizer sources: What are the differences and which one should you use?Is 'fixed' P lost? 4 things to considerMinnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy-- For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast. 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 X (formerly 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. Remember to register for Ag Field School 2026 at the University of Minnesota: z.umn.edu/agfieldschool2026

    40 min
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Welcome to University of Minnesota Extension's Nutrient Management Podcast. Each month we bring you the latest research in nutrient management for crops and how you can incorporate the latest tips and best management practices to your farm.

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