Yara's Crop Nutrition podcast Yara

In this episode, Dr. Rob Mikkelsen  teaches us about the fascinating and often overlooked world of root health and its crucial role in plant nutrition. He begins by posing a thought-provoking question: Do nutrients influence roots, or do roots influence nutrients? The answer, as Rob explains, is a complex interplay of both.
The Hidden Half of Agriculture: Rob emphasizes the importance of roots, which are frequently overlooked despite their critical role in plant health. He encourages agronomists and farmers to always carry a shovel to inspect root health regularly. Complex Structure of Roots: The episode highlights the significance of root hairs in water and nutrient uptake. Rob explains how calcium is absorbed only at the root tips, underscoring the need for healthy roots to continually explore new soil zones. Historical Perspective on Nutrient Uptake: Rob shares an old illustration that depicts nutrient uptake as a train system, transporting nutrients to the “factories” in the leaves. This analogy helps explain the complexity of nutrient assimilation processes. Influences on Root Health: The podcast discusses several factors that affect root health, including: Soil Acidity: High soil acidity can stunt root growth due to toxic soluble aluminum, but this can be remedied with proper limestone applications. Soil Salinity: Excess salt can cause water stress and reduce plant performance. Soil Compaction: Compact soil can hinder root penetration, affecting water and nutrient uptake. The Role of the Rhizosphere: Rob introduces the rhizosphere, the narrow zone surrounding roots, rich in biological activity. He highlights its importance in nutrient uptake and overall plant health. Subscribe to our channel to stay updated on future episodes where we continue exploring the fascinating world of plant nutrition and its impact on crop health.
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In this episode of the Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast we talk with citrus growing expert John Martzen and Yara Sales Agronomist, Vanessa Dominguez, about the crucial role of micronutrients in citrus health and productivity. They discuss the importance of regular tissue sampling, the risks of over-applying micronutrients, and emerging technologies in nutrient management. John shares success stories that highlight the positive impact of effective nutrient management on crop yields and quality, offering valuable insights for citrus growers aiming for optimal crop performance.
Key Takeaways:
 
• Micronutrients’ Role: Micronutrients are essential for the overall health and productivity of citrus crops, influencing energy cycles and chlorophyll development.
• Importance of Tissue Sampling: Regular tissue sampling is vital for understanding the nutrient needs of citrus trees and tailoring nutrition programs accordingly.
• Risks of Over-application: Over-applying micronutrients can lead to toxicity and imbalances, while under-applying can cause nutrient deficiencies.
• Technological Advancements: New technologies, such as sap analysis and improved nutrient delivery systems, offer more accurate monitoring and management of micronutrient levels.
• Success Stories: Real-world examples demonstrate the positive impact of tissue sampling and nutrient management on crop yields and quality.

In this Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast episode, Dr. Isaac Mpanga, Yara's Sustainable Food Solutions Director, discusses the importance of sustainable food systems and agronomic agricultural practices. They explore the role of stakeholders in making sustainable agriculture a reality and how Yara is involved in promoting sustainable practices. Isaac emphasizes the need for coordination and communication among all players in the food chain to achieve transformation and sustainability. He also highlights the challenges growers face in implementing sustainable practices and the importance of return on investment for farmers. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the progress and future of sustainable agriculture.

We're excited to announce the launch of their sixth incubator farm in North America near Livingston County, New York, focused on improving forage quality and environmental sustainability in dairy feed production. The farm is a 150-acre field separated into strips alternating between corn silage and alfalfa. The goal is to study different crop nutrition programs and their impact on forage quality. The farm also aims to explore the relationship between manure nutrients and Yara fertilizers, as well as the use of calcium nitrate on alfalfa. The project is part of Yara's vision of nature-positive dairy production and aligns with the dairy industry's goal of achieving zero emissions by 2050.  Emmaline Long, Agronomy Solutions Manager at Yara, will be leading our efforts at this incubator farm.

This episode of the Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast focuses on the vital role of potassium in citrus production and how it can boost yields. Potassium is crucial for water, nutrient, and carbohydrate movement in plants, enhancing leaf size, tree vigor, and overall health. It plays a major role in crop yield and fruit quality in citrus crops. Citrus trees take up more potassium than nitrogen, making it a critical nutrient. The right source of potassium depends on soil type and timing of application. Frequent applications in smaller doses are recommended for better nutrient uptake. Potassium deficiency can lead to hindered growth and smaller, lower-quality fruit.  Yara Sales Agronomist, Vanessa Dominguez, joins us to help explain this agronomic golden nugget.  
Learn more about citrus crop nutrition HERE.

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Tobin Stetson, a seasoned professional with a rich civil engineering and soil conservation background, who recently joined Yara to support our efforts in the Eastern Canadian markets.  We discuss the relationship between civil engineering and soil conservation, the importance of water in agriculture, and the projects Tobin has worked on in Prince Edward Island. We also explore sustainable farming practices, the impact of irrigation on crop production, and the role of Yara in supporting farmers in Eastern Canada.
Tobin comes to us with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. He has spent six years as a Soil & Water Conservation Engineer with the Prince Edward Island (PEI) Department of Agriculture. During his tenure, Tobin has been at the forefront of implementing advanced solutions in soil conservation, irrigation, and wastewater management. He's also deeply involved in enhancing farm infrastructure and promoting sustainable farming practices.