What are the most important things you need to know about nitrogen management?   Join Mike Howell as he explores what Dr. Fabián G. Fernández has learned in over a decade in the field. According to Dr. Fabián, it's all about managing risk. Tune in as he shares what's worked year in and year out in preventing loss and driving a greater ROI. Uncover the unmatched value of spring applications, tips for fall applications and the essential role of adequate soil drainage.   Plus, Dr. Fabián shares his expert tips for managing nitrogen in sandy soils (including his rule of thumb for the best time to apply).   Read Dr. Fabián's full article on the University of Minnesota Extension website: https://blog-crop-news.extension.umn.edu/2025/02/four-things-ive-learned-about-nitrogen.html   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

Don't let a potassium deficiency steal your season (or your yields).   With potassium deficiencies on the rise across North America, we're taking a closer look at how you can address mid-season crop needs. Join Mike Howell and Dr. Bobby Golden as they explore how you can spot, diagnose and solve mid-season potassium deficiencies for greater yields and profitability. From how to diagnose a deficiency to practical tips for correction, this episode explores everything you need to know about mid-season potassium management. Dig into the hidden signs of hunger in your soybean crops and how important it is to catch deficiency ahead of time.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

Mike revisits where his career first began—the National Land and Range Judging Contest. He sits down with three North Dakota 4-H'ers at the 74th annual contest to uncover their experiences, what they learn and how the event prepares them for a future in farming.   Plus, we're joined by Larry Wright, one of the contest's officials to explore how the event emphasizes the importance of protecting our resources through land, range and homesite judging. He discusses the effort that goes into the competition each year and the incredible youth involved in the national contest.   As sponsors of this incredible event, we're proud to invest in the next generation of soil stewards. To learn more about the National Land and Range Judging Contest, visit www.okconservation.org/national-land-and-range-judging   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

Are cover crops a worthwhile investment? Do their benefits outweigh their potential drawbacks?   Join Mike Howell and North Dakota State University's Assistant Professor of Extension Soil Science, Dr. Brady Goettl, as they explore the value of planting cover crops for your soil (and not for sale). From Dr. Goettl's opinion on the benefits and drawbacks of cover cropping to current incentive programs and practical tips for cover crop planning, we discuss it all in this exciting episode. Tune in today to uncover Dr. Goettl's path in soil health and fertility while gaining practical insights for cover cropping on your operation. Plus, you'll uncover what Dr. Goettl says to every farmer considering the use of cover crops.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

Potassium is one of the most simple and affordable nutrients in your fertilizer program.   Dig into how it's produced, where it's mined from and the need for potash on Canadian soils on this episode of The Dirt. Join Mike Howell and Nutrien Senior Agronomist Lyle Cowell as they explore the vital role that potassium plays throughout crop production. From impacting nutrient availability and water balance to supporting plant development and reproduction, we explore it all. We uncover how potassium cycles through the soil to enhance your profitability. Dig into the importance of replacing this vital nutrient and its impact on various crop rotations in this exciting episode.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

How many crops can actually benefit from stress? Sweet potatoes are in a league of their own.  In fact, they've recently become Mississippi's official state vegetable.   Join Mike Howell and Crop Consultant, Phil McKibben, as they explore the surprising science behind sweet potato production. Explore what makes this crop different, from their resilience under stress to the important role of the mother plant. Dive into everything from soil fertility considerations to harvest management tips on this episode of The Dirt.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com    Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

Do starter fertilizers really set you up for success? Join Mike Howell and Nutrien Senior Agronomist, Dr. Alan Blaylock, as they uncover the role that starter fertilizer plays in our fields. From early crop growth and root development to stronger yields and earlier maturity, we uncover how you can supercharge your soil with starters.   Tune in to uncover the benefits and potential limitations of starting your season with starter fertilizer. Explore expert insights that can help you sprout success this season—from placement tips to safe application rates.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

Managing manure may not be glamorous, but it can be a key player in your nutrient management plan. Unpack the nutrient value of manure in this episode of The Dirt. From what your soil says about manure management to the benefits and drawbacks, we explore it all to help you uncover its true value in your fields.   What's the difference between dry and liquid manure? How much manure can you apply? How is manure stored throughout the season? How does composting support manure management? Uncover the dirt truth about manure in this episode of The Dirt featuring Penn State University professors, Robert Meinen and Charles White.   Calculate the economic value of manure today at www.extension.psu.edu/manure-nutrient-value-calculator.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

The goalpost has shifted in nutrient management—are you keeping up?   Explore new insights from the University of Kentucky to help meet your soil's rising demand for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur on this episode of The Dirt.   Declining soil test levels inspired the University to revisit their nutrient management recommendations. What actually changed? How can you maintain an optimum rate of each nutrient? Find out everything you need to know in this exciting episode with Mike Howell and John H. Grove.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics

Uncover the pros and cons of cutting back on fertilizer and strategies to optimize fertilizer efficiency. Kick off season four with Mike Howell as he takes a closer look at how growers can manage phosphorus and potassium under tight budgets and the importance of maintaining an optimum soil test range. Explore the value of fertilizer in various soil types, uncover tips for managing your nutrient budget and discover how nutrients work together to boost your yield and profitability.   Looking for the latest in crop nutrition research? Visit nutrien-ekonomics.com   Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NutrieneKonomics