Roots are essential for nutrient and water uptake, but how do you know if your roots are healthy and functioning?

In this part one of two episodes Dr. Rob Michelson teaches us about the vital connection between soil health, root systems, and plant performance. He emphasizes nutrient management's role in fostering root development, enhancing fertilizer efficiency, and boosting agricultural productivity. The discussion underscores how understanding root health and the rhizosphere can improve sustainable farming practices and overall crop nutrition. Key takeaways include the importance of addressing soil compaction, balancing soil acidity, and leveraging micronutrients to support robust root systems. This holistic approach integrates soil science and agronomy to optimize plant health and farm profitability.

Irrigation is crucial in optimizing crop growth, nutrient uptake, soil health, and overall plant health.

Part two of a two-part episode discusses the agronomic benefits of adopting efficient irrigation practices. We are joined by irrigation experts Guillermo Valenzuela, VP of Sales and Marketing at WiseConn, and Craig Hornung, Director of Technical Services at AC-Foods, to discuss the vital role of water management in agriculture.

In the previous episode, we explored the agronomic value of proper irrigation.

Irrigation is crucial in optimizing crop growth, nutrient uptake, and overall plant health.

In this part one of a two-part episode, we will explore the agronomic value of proper irrigation.

In this first half of the Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast, we are joined by irrigation experts Guillermo Valenzuela, VP of Sales and Marketing at WiseConn, and Craig Hornung, Director of Technical Services at AC-Foods, to discuss the vital role of water management in agriculture. The conversation highlights how proper irrigation not only boosts crop growth and nutrient uptake but also enhances sustainability and efficiency in farming. We examine the evolution of irrigation techniques and how advancements in technology, such as sensors, are helping growers manage water with greater precision. The discussion also touches on California’s SGMA legislation and its implications for water use in agriculture.

In this episode of the Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast, Yara Regional Sales Manager and grower, Peter DeBoer, helps us understand the critical role of post-harvest nutrition for effective crop management, with a particular focus on almond farming. They emphasize the importance of nutrient sampling and how it can directly influence both crop yield and the economic impact of fertilizer application. The discussion covers common mistakes in post-harvest agricultural practices, the need for transparent communication between growers and advisors, and how strategic nutrition planning can support sustainable farming. Key takeaways include using post-harvest applications to mitigate plant stress and the long-term value of nutrient sampling in avoiding wasted resources. 

In this encore episode, we revisit a crucial conversation from 2020 on the importance of nitrogen and sulfur in crop nutrition and how they work together to enhance plant health. The discussion emphasizes the need to go beyond just focusing on nitrogen application rates and to implement the four Rs of nutrient management: right rate, right source, right time, and right place. Our experts, Yara's Dr. Trey Cutts and Markus Braaten, CCA, highlight the benefits of using a homogenous product that ensures the correct ratio of nitrogen and sulfur in every prill. Research shows that this balanced approach can lead to a 10-15% increase in both yield and nitrogen use efficiency, ultimately driving profitability. Tune in to learn how balanced nutrition can optimize your crop growth

Takeaways

• Consider more than just the rate of nitrogen application in crop nutrition.
• Focus on the four Rs: right rate, right source, right time, and right place.
• Using a homogenous product like Yara Ametis ensures the correct ratio of nitrogen and sulfur.
• Research shows that using Yara Ametis can lead to a 10-15% increase in yield and nitrogen use efficiency.
• Balanced nutrition is crucial for optimal crop growth and profitability.

Welcome to this special throwback episode of the Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast! We’re revisiting a classic episode from 2019, which is part of a series dedicated to exploring each essential plant nutrient. In this episode, Dr. Steve Petrie, retired Director of Agronomic Services, dives into the vital role of phosphorus in crop nutrition. He breaks down the “Four Rs” of phosphorus application: the right rate, the right source, the right placement, and the right timing. Dr. Steve also emphasizes the importance of soil testing, discusses the benefits of banded versus broadcast applications, and highlights the value of foliar treatments for addressing late-season phosphorus deficiencies. Whether you’re new to nutrient management or looking to refresh your knowledge, this episode offers timeless insights that are just as relevant today.

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• Roots are often overlooked but play a crucial role in plant health.
• Nitrogen promotes the development of a dense and extensive root system.
• Phosphorus influences root architecture and stimulates associations with mycorrhizal fungi.
• Potassium affects overall plant growth and water relations.
• Calcium is involved in many aspects of root health and triggers hormone production for root growth.
• Micronutrients are important for root growth and health.
• A balanced supply of nutrients is essential for root health and overall plant health.

In this video episode of the Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast, Dr. Rob Mikkelsen, Director of Agronomy for Yara in North America, delves into the crucial topic of nitrogen nutrition in crops. He discusses the physiological preference of most common crops for nitrate nutrition over ammonium, explaining how the ionic charge of the nitrogen molecule impacts plant growth and soil conditions. Rob highlights various research findings, including those from Dr. Dharma Pichay at Tennessee State University, demonstrating the negative effects of ammonium on a range of crops such as almonds, apricots, tobacco, strawberries, and tomatoes. He emphasizes the goal of Yara to provide optimal crop nutrition through their nitrate-based fertilizers, ensuring plants reach their full potential. Tune in to learn more about the significance of nitrate nutrition and how it can enhance crop performance.

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.

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