In this episode, CropCast hosts Dave Nicolai and Seth Naeve visits with Dr. Fabian Fernandez, Professor at the University of Minnesota Department of Soil, Water and Climate. Fabian is a state Extension Specialist in Soil Nutrient Management with an emphasis in soil nitrogen. Fabian provides an overview of his background, education, and career. Fabian was born and raised in the Pampas region of Argentina. He earned his Ph.D. degree from Purdue University, and M.S. and B.S. degrees from Brigham Young University. The research and extension education programs of Dr. Fernández focus on soil nutrient management and plant mineral nutrition. His current work at the University of Minnesota concentrates primarily on economic and environmental effects of nutrient management in corn cropping systems. He seeks to identify and implement nitrogen management practices that are sustainable in terms of both minimizing negative environmental impacts, specifically on water quality, and improving crop yields.

In addition to highlighting his background and academic activities, Fabian visits with Dave and Seth during the podcast about various nitrogen management recommendations for corn growers in the fall of 2023 and the spring of 2024.  Fabain reviews the best management recommendations regarding soil temperatures during fall applications, fertilizer product types, inhibitors and recommended nitrogen application rates based on economics, environments, and soil types.

During the podcast several important internet links were mentioned regarding soil nutrient management as influence by environmental considerations and economics.

Nitrogen Management University of Minnesota Extension: https://extension.umn.edu/nutrient-management/nitrogen

Fertilizing Corn in Minnesota: https://extension.umn.edu/crop-specific-needs/fertilizing-corn-minnesota

Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator: https://www.cornnratecalc.org/

Minnesota Department of Agriculture 6-inch soil temperature network: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/protecting/soilprotection/soiltemp