UMN Extension Nutrient Management Podcast

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, four U of M researchers discuss the Maximum Return To Nitrogen (MRTN) approach to corn N rate guidelines. What is the MRTN and why was this system implemented? What are the pros and cons of the MRTN approach and how is it performing? What should corn growers know about alternative approaches to the MRTN? Will there be any changes made to the MRTN approach in the future? Thank you to Minnesota's Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council (AFREC) for supporting the podcast.

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we discuss fertilizer prices and supply chain issues. Extension educator Brad Carlson is joined by: Jim Carlson, Vice President of Agronomy at United Farmer's Co-op in Winthrop, Minnesota; Russ Quinn, ag market reporter for DTN/The Progressive Farmer and a farmer in eastern Nebraska; and Josh Linville, Director of Fertilizer at StoneX Financial.

•  Where are fertilizer prices right now and how do they compare to the recent past?
•  Why are fertilizer prices so high right now?
•  What are price ratios and why is this an important metric to watch?
•  How are farmers reacting to the high prices and fertilizer availability concerns?
•  What should growers be thinking about in terms of fertilizer purchasing decisions and nutrient management planning this fall and next spring?

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, three U of M researchers discuss soil management and nutrient issues.

• How do erosion and tillage practices impact nutrients in the soil and nutrient management? 
• After a dry spring and summer, what should growers know about soil and nutrient management heading into the fall? 
• How can farmers better manage soils to avoid nutrient issues? Are cover crops a good idea this year?

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, three U of M researchers discuss sulfur.

• How has atmospheric sulfur deposition changed over time and why does it matter for farmers?
• How did the dry conditions this year impact sulfur availability? Do dry soils mean sulfur responses will be greater? 
• Do dry soils affect which source of sulfur growers should use? 
• What do we know about interactions between sulfur and other nutrients? 
• What should farmers thinking about applying sulfur for the 2022 crop keep in mind?

 In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, four U of M researchers discuss fall fertilizer decisions.

• With rising prices, what are some ways growers can save on fertilizer costs this fall and next spring?
• With the dry conditions, is there anything growers need to be thinking about regarding nutrient availability or soil testing that might arise this fall if conditions stay dry? 
• Is this a year that a soil nitrate test might be useful? 
• Is there anything related to changes in the U of M fertilizer guidelines that growers should be aware of?

• What makes liquid starter fertilizers risky when applying on or near the seed? 
• Should growers adjust their liquid in-furrow application rates in dry years? 
• Is it a good idea to mix liquid fertilizer with fungicides or insecticides?

• What is deficit irrigation and could there be an important role for it this year if it stays dry?
• What's the best approach to nitrogen fertilization in irrigated corn, and what should farmers keep in mind when applying N in irrigated fields?
• Is there an advantage to using fertigation over traditional fertilizer applications?
• What should growers know about variable rate irrigation and variable rate fertigation?

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, three U of M researchers discuss potassium management. 

• What key factors impact potassium availability in soils? 
• Currently, Minnesota suggests banding potassium is more efficient than broadcast application. What are your thoughts on the band versus broadcast debate? 
• There have been some questions over the winter related to potash application on soybean. What are some key takeaways from your research and should farmers consider alternative forms of potassium fertilizer?

• What are the most challenging aspects of continuous corn production? 
• Which key nutrients are impacted by residue breakdown and how can continuous corn growers manage residue to limit nutrient tie-up? 
• What has recent research told us about how to maximize yield in a continuous corn system? 
• Are there any other practices, not specifically related to fertilizer management, that may interact with a soil fertility program that growers should be aware of for continuous corn production?