Best University of MN Extension Podcasts (2025)

1
Conducting on-farm research: Four Midwest experts weigh in on design tips, planning and more 46:30

3d ago46:30

46:30

Today on the Nutrient Management Podcast we discuss on-farm research. On-farm research has been here for decades - so what's new about it? What are management practices that might be easier to evaluate and which might be more difficult? What are the design criteria that farmers need to have in place in order to be successful? What kinds of problems…

1
Accounting for soil and weather conditions: Methods and tools to help fine-tune your N 38:03

17d ago38:03

38:03

On this episode of Advancing Nitrogen Smart we discuss methods and tools to account for soil and weather conditions as you execute your nitrogen management strategy. Which tissue and nitrate testing options are the most beneficial, and when should you test? How does understanding the nitrogen cycle help you interpret these results? How do drought a…

1
Why understanding the nitrogen cycle is key to managing soil fertility 39:49

1M ago39:49

39:49

Today on Advancing Nitrogen Smart we’re talking about the nitrogen cycle and managing soil fertility. What does 'the nitrogen cycle' mean, and how does it affect your management strategy? In what ways do temperature and moisture slow down or speed up nitrogen's window of usability? What are nitrification, denitrification, volatilization, mineraliza…

1
Cation exchange capacity & nutrient management: What does the data say? 33:22

1M ago33:22

33:22

Cation exchange capacity and cation balancing are the topics of the day in this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast. What are the definitions of cation exchange capacity and cation balancing? How is CEC measured, and are those estimates reliable? What does the research say about CEC and CB and their role in a nutrient management strategy? Wh…

1
Nitrogen fertilizer management & surface water: Context, successes and challenges 28:06

2M ago28:06

28:06

Today on the Advancing Nitrogen Smart Podcast we discuss nitrogen fertilizer management and surface water issues. When did we first become aware of nitrates appearing in surface water? What are some of the effects, and who is being affected? What are Minnesota's current nitrate-reduction strategy benchmarks - and are we on target to meet them? What…

1
2025 Spring Fertilizer Outlook: What should MN farmers consider, avoid? 34:26

2M ago34:26

34:26

It's the end of March, which means it's time for the annual Spring Fertilizer Outlook. What are field conditions like throughout Minnesota? What early fertilizer application options might MN growers want to consider? Which early fertilizer application practices might MN growers want to avoid, and why? What are growers excited - or hesitant - about?…

1
Nitrogen management & groundwater: What to know 23:33

3M ago23:33

23:33

A lot of the conversation about nitrogen management centers around environmental issues, and in particular, nitrate levels in groundwater and surface water in Minnesota. Today we’ll discuss N management and nitrate levels in groundwater. What are some effects of elevated nitrate levels in both infants and adults? When were elevated levels first dis…

1
Nutrient management & cover crops: A research update across Minnesota 26:32

3M ago26:32

26:32

Today we talk with four panelists throughout Minnesota about nutrient management and cover crops. What are some results of new research looking into incorporating covers into a nutrient management strategy? What are some of the specific rotations being measured, and why? What do farmers need to know about new manure management regulations and cover…

1
Nitrogen-fixing biologicals: What farmers should know 22:07

3M ago22:07

22:07

Today we’re talking all about nitrogen-fixing biologicals. What's the best definition of a biological or biostimulant? Are they fertilizers, pesticides - or neither? In what ways do they interact with nitrogen in the field? Where and how are biological products tested? Which environmental factors might impact biologicals? How should they be properl…

1
Variable rate nitrogen: What farmers should know 24:25

4M ago24:25

24:25

Today we’re talking all about variable rate nitrogen. What underlying information do we need to make decisions about VRN? What areas in the field might be prone to N loss? Should you only add extra N to high-yielding areas, or could a low-yielding zone also show positive responses? What effect could your overall management strategy have on a variab…

1
25 Years of nutrient management: How have practices changed and evolved? 53:36

4M ago53:36

53:36

Here we are in 2025. Today on the Nutrient Management Podcast, our panelists talk about how the practice of nutrient management has changed over the last quarter century. How have precipitation levels - and perceptions about precipitation - changed? What came before the current Maximum Return To Nitrogen management model, and what did the change ad…

1
Nitrogen conservation and water quality, Part 1: Tech, edge-of-field, & proactive management solutions 29:06

4M ago29:06

29:06

Nitrogen conservation and water quality are the subject of today's Advancing Nitrogen Smart episode. There's lots to cover so we're splitting the episode up into two parts. Today in Part 1, Brad Carlson and Jeff Vetsch unpack different conservation solutions, and what might be achieved from their adoption. In what situations might buffer strips, co…

1
Nitrogen conservation and water quality, Part 2: Precision conservation, and future efficiencies 29:17

4M ago29:17

29:17

We continue our conversation about nitrogen conservation and water quality on Advancing Nitrogen Smart. Today in Part 2, Brad Carlson and Jeff Vetsch continue discussing new technologies that may help address nitrogen loss, such as passive sensors and crop modeling systems. How might future tools such as AI play a part? How is precision testing aff…

1
Soybean nutrient management: IDC concerns, a research wrap-up, and looking ahead to 2025 29:38

5M ago29:38

29:38

Today on the podcast we focus on soybean nutrient management. Our four soybean and nutrient management panelists from across Minnesota and North Dakota explain their research trials, and discuss some preliminary results in the region. Also, what should growers keep in mind as we transition into 2025? What are the panelists' concerns about IDC? That…

1
Predicting nitrogen rates: Factors and resources for Minnesota farmers 47:50

6M ago47:50

47:50

After spending last episode talking about the background and history of nitrogen rate recommendations in Minnesota, today on episode 14 we’re talking about what to keep in mind as you begin predicting your nitrogen rate needs. How do yield, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) factor into decision making? Are there any N rate databases available to Mi…

1
The history of N rate recommendations in Minnesota: What farmers should know 38:10

7M ago38:10

38:10

Today Brad and Dan explore the background and rationale behind nitrogen rate recommendations in Minnesota. How have Minnesota's N rate recommendations evolved over time? What data does the MRTN approach take into account? How are these N rates organized? Guests: Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato) Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management…

1
Nitrogen loss: Lessons learned from the 2024 growing season 33:37

7M ago33:37

33:37

Nitrogen loss: Lessons learned from the 2024 growing season is the big topic on today's episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast. What N application practices looked particularly bad in 2024? Some farmers are saying they are no longer going to apply fall N based on how 2024 played out. Is this warranted, or is it an overreaction? Is there any dat…

1
Nitrification inhibitors in detail: Important information to help delay N loss 24:40

7M ago24:40

24:40

In episode 12 of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart series Brad and Dan talk in detail about nitrification inhibitors. What are the two types of inhibitors, and what are best practices for incorporation? How do soil type, temperature, and precipitation factor into farmer decision-making? How much time does a nitrification inhibitor buy you? In what circu…

1
A difference in degrees: Fall application efficiency at 50 Fahrenheit 26:10

8M ago26:10

26:10

Today we’re talking all about fall application. What's the first thing farmers should know about applying in fall? What’s the difference in N efficiency at 50 the degree threshold versus even a 55 degree threshold, and then when have those degree dates happened historically? Guests: Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato) Daniel Kaiser, Extensio…

1
Liming and pH: Timing, economics, materials, and more 39:09

8M ago39:09

39:09

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, our panelists discuss liming in detail. What kind of variation is there in liming recommendations? Since pH changes aren’t instant, when is the best time to apply limestone? Is lime application economically justified, and in what circumstances? What should growers know about selecting liming mater…

1
Fall manure application: Optimal strategies for Minnesota farmers 22:15

8M ago22:15

22:15

In this episode of Advancing Nitrogen Smart, Melissa Wilson, Extension manure management specialist joins Brad Carlson to discuss fall manure application. What are the most important dos and don'ts of fall application? How much time can nitrification inhibitors buy you after application? What's the optimum soil temperature for application, and what…

1
Your optimal N rate: Understanding its impact on yield, water quality, and the bottom line 30:13

9M ago30:13

30:13

In this episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart series, we discuss probably the most important topic for many farmers - rate. What makes both over-application and under-application of nitrogen counter-productive in terms of yield? How does a Maximum Return To Nitrogen (MRTN) rate approach differ from a yield-based approach? What are long-term envir…

1
Fall fertilizer outlook for 2024: Current conditions, soil testing, and farmer finances 36:32

9M ago36:32

36:32

This episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast is our annual fall fertilizer outlook. After such a challenging growing season throughout most of the state, how do things look headed toward harvest? Since most of the state went from being too dry last year to too wet this year, how should this affect the approach to fertility management? What role …

1
Timing nitrogen efficiently: How to maximize yield while mitigating risk 28:00

9M ago28:00

28:00

In the 8th episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart series, we’re taking about timing. What makes understanding timing crucial to using nitrogen efficiently? Should growers apply in fall, and if so, what source should be avoided? Between which growth stages does corn take up the bulk of a field's N? What do weather extremes teach us about optimal ti…

1
Nitrogen pools: Our experts talk timing, testing and uptake 22:33

9M ago22:33

22:33

In this episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart series, our two experts discuss nitrogen pools. What are nitrogen pools, and where do we find them? How is N actually consumed by the plant, and what forms of N will plants take up more readily? What are some potential signs of N deficiency in the plant? How do nitrogen pools relate back to the 4R's, …

1
Phosphorus fertilizer guidelines: Four Midwest experts talk profit, yield, soil tests & more 37:23

9M ago37:23

37:23

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about phosphorus fertilizer guidelines throughout Minnesota and the Midwest. What are current state guidelines throughout the region, and are they satisfactory? Should farmers forgo taking a soil test to measure their P levels, or should the test be prioritized? Might state phosphoru…

1
Nitrogen transformation up close: Key details for efficient fertilizer management 26:24

10M ago26:24

26:24

In this 6th episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart series, we’re taking an up-close look at the nitrogen transformation process. We’ll talk more about temperature conditions, rainfall versus drainage, and what makes knowing these details so valuable to Minnesota farmers and producers, as well was to growers around the world. Guests: Brad Carlson, …

1
Manure application in 2024: Value for growers, long-term research, and what's on the horizon 31:53

10M ago31:53

31:53

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about manure application in 2024. What’s the value of manure today, given that fertilizer prices are still elevated compared to 2018 and 2019? What does long-term research show us about manure’s value, and how might this information benefit growers and producers? Which manure best ma…

1
How soil water storage, temperature, and the nitrogen cycle help MN farmers make key decisions 33:03

10M ago33:03

33:03

In the 5th episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart series, we’re talking about the ways the soil stores water, and how nitrogen transforms in that soil under different climate conditions. We’ll discuss field saturation and the water budget, heat units and how to track them, and how these trends have changed throughout MN over the last 60 years. Gue…

1
Sidedressing nitrogen: What should growers keep in mind when applying in-season? 28:47

11M ago28:47

28:47

In the 4th episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart series, we’re talking in-depth about sidedress. What are the growth stages critical to growers when sidedressing? What are options for assessing whether to add supplemental N, and how should they be used? How do wet conditions affect yield, and are rescue treatments economically advantageous? What …

1
Supplemental nitrogen fertilizer: Is it time to pull the trigger? 35:41

12M ago35:41

35:41

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about supplemental nitrogen fertilizer. What are conditions like around the state? What practices do the worst looking fields seem to have in common? How does a producer assess their situation? What are some recommendations moving forward? Guests: Fabian Fernandez, Extension nutrient…

1
Nitrogen-fixing biological products: Four Midwest experts weigh in on industry claims, on-farm research tips, and more 33:18

12M ago33:18

33:18

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking all about biologicals. What should companies consider as they test their biological products? Can growers reduce their nitrogen requirements due to biological use? Is there new research out there that tells us about biologicals’ effectiveness? What should growers watch out for when t…

1
Carryover nitrogen: A potential credit for N fertilizer reduction in Minnesota 33:12

12M ago33:12

33:12

In this episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart podcast series, we’re talking all about carryover nitrogen. Our two panelists explain what carryover nitrogen is, how and when to test for carryover nitrogen, and what to keep in mind with this potential N fertilizer credit for Minnesota growers. Guests: Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management sp…

1
Statewide best management practices for nitrogen: A valuable resource for Minnesota growers 40:12

1y ago40:12

40:12

In this episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart series, we’re talking in-depth about nitrogen best management practices. How are BMPs calculated, and how do they change over time? What should growers keep in mind regarding regional adjustments in the BMPs? What kinds of risks are these BMPs designed to address? How do the 4 Rs figure in to Minnesot…

1
Nitrogen Smart is going digital! Podcasts, videos will help more farmers improve N fertilizer practices 3:35

1y ago3:35

3:35

Understanding how nitrogen behaves in the environment is more important than ever. Having access to unbiased, research-based information is crucial for growers as they try to make the most efficient input decisions for their farms, maximizing profits while at the same time minimizing nitrogen loss to the environment. For the last decade, the Nitrog…

1
Nitrogen placement: What Minnesota farmers should know about depth, incorporation, loss pathways, and more 28:32

1y ago28:32

28:32

Understanding how nitrogen behaves in the environment is more important than ever. And when growers have access to unbiased, research-based information, they’re better equipped to make farm-specific nitrogen management decisions. Here at Advancing Nitrogen Smart, we unpack and examine the latest up-to-date nitrogen data to help farmers maximize the…

1
Nitrogen and sulfur: In-season application, nutrient interactions, precision tech & more 31:57

1y ago31:57

31:57

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about nitrogen and sulfur application. What does current nitrogen and sulfur research mean for Minnesota growers? What do we know about the relationship between N and S in crops? What -if any- considerations should farmers make when applying S? Do N application rates need to be chang…

1
Soybean fertilizer management: IDC, sulfur, P and K soil tests, and more 40:43

1y ago40:43

40:43

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…

1
Spring fertilizer outlook: Key decisions after a warm winter 40:41

1y ago40:41

40:41

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 abou…

1
Cover crops in Minnesota: Recent challenges and future solutions 26:03

1y ago26:03

26:03

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 pa…

1
AFREC research roundup: 2023 nutrient management findings 36:14

1+ y ago36:14

36:14

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 a…

1
Nitrogen management in southeast Minnesota: What's the situation and what's being done? 32:21

1+ y ago32:21

32:21

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…

1
Edge of field N and P reduction strategies: What to know about conservation drainage practices 38:21

1+ y ago38:21

38:21

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 …

1
Fall soil sampling 39:21

1+ y ago39:21

39:21

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, Exten…

1
Fall manure best practices 30:38

1+ y ago30:38

30:38

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…

1
2023 Fall Fertilizer Outlook 37:01

2y ago37:01

37:01

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 is…

1
Measuring and building soil carbon 27:00

2y ago27:00

27:00

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 th…

1
In-season nitrogen decision tools 35:21

2y ago35:21

35:21

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 wo…

1
Managing issues after heavy May rains and early-season pests in 2023 25:38

2y ago25:38

25:38

Dave Nicolai and Dr. Seth Naeve talk about agronomic issues from the recent heavy rains in early May 2023 and early-season insect issues with Bruce Potter, IPM Extension Specialist based out of Lamberton, MN. Potter has been monitoring black cutworm and true armyworm flights as well as alfalfa weevil that may be affecting crops in upcoming weeks. D…

1
Early season weed management in 2023 29:02

2y ago29:02

29:02

Dave Nicholai gives an update on planting progress with Dr. Seth Naeve and discusses weed management tactics early in the season with Dr. Debalin Sarangi. Weeds such as waterhemp are already emerging with the warming temperatures. They focused on herbicide options for weed management, especially how to time pre-emerge and post-emergence options alo…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

University Of MN Extension Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen