Yara's Crop Nutrition podcast: Recent Episodes
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Yara is the world's crop nutrition leader with over 100 years of experience. In collaboration with customers and partners, Yara grows knowledge to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet, to fulfill its vision of a collaborative society, a world without hunger and a planet respected.
Our crop nutrition solutions and precision farming offerings allow farmers to increase yields and improve product quality while reducing environmental impact.
In this podcast episode, Dr. Isaac Mpanga discuss circular agriculture and its role in sustainability and resource efficiency within modern farming. Isaac explains how regenerative agriculture and nutrient recycling can enhance soil health while reducing the environmental impact of farming. Isaac shares real-world examples of agricultural innovation and the role of food companies in promoting sustainable farming practices. The discussion highlights how growers can maintain profitability while adopting eco-friendly solutions. The episode wraps up with practical steps for farmers looking to integrate circular agriculture into their operations.
Resources:
Mpanga et al 2024 https://lnkd.in/g_X94XQS Mpanga et al 2023 https://lnkd.in/gg8drxUK
Here is a book that Isaac wrote on the subject: Circular Agriculture
In part two of this Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast series, Dr. Rob Mikkelsen continues the exploration of root health, focusing on the role of key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and micronutrients in supporting robust root systems.
He discusses how these nutrients enhance root architecture, density, and function, emphasizing the critical connection between healthy roots and improved plant productivity. Building on part one’s foundation of soil health and nutrient management, this episode highlights the interconnectedness of roots and shoots, stressing that neglecting root care can lead to diminished crop yields. Together, the episodes provide a guide for farmers and agronomists, combining soil science and agronomy to optimize crop nutrition, fertilizer efficiency, and sustainable farming practices. By addressing both the physical and nutritional needs of roots, the series underscores the importance of a balanced approach to maximize agricultural productivity and plant performance.
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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Biostimulants are a growing trend in agriculture, with their use rapidly increasing worldwide, but there are still some questions about how they play a role in today's agriculture. Yara's Marcio Wally, Biological Senior Manager based in Canada, explains that biologicals are complementary to traditional agricultural inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, enhancing crop nutrition and resilience to stress. Biostimulants can improve nutrient availability and uptake, as well as enhance plant aspects to resist crop stress. They do not replace nutrients or agrochemicals but rather enhance crop management. The types of biostimulants include non-microbials (seaweed extracts, humic substances, amino acids) and microbial biostimulants (beneficial bacteria and fungi). The choice of biostimulant depends on the specific needs of the crop and the desired outcome.
This video conversation discusses the influence of plant nutrition on root health. Dr. Rob Mikkelsen emphasizes the importance of roots and how they are often overlooked. They explain the impact of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and micronutrients on root growth and health. He provides examples and visuals to illustrate the effects of nutrient deficiencies on roots. The conversation concludes by highlighting the significance of a balanced supply of nutrients for overall plant health and the importance of discussing the source of nutrients in promoting root health. Takeaways * 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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In this episode of the Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast we talk with citrus growing expert John Martzen and Yara Sales Agronomist, Vanessa Dominguez, about the crucial role of micronutrients in citrus health and productivity. They discuss the importance of regular tissue sampling, the risks of over-applying micronutrients, and emerging technologies in nutrient management. John shares success stories that highlight the positive impact of effective nutrient management on crop yields and quality, offering valuable insights for citrus growers aiming for optimal crop performance.
Key Takeaways:
• Micronutrients’ Role: Micronutrients are essential for the overall health and productivity of citrus crops, influencing energy cycles and chlorophyll development.
• Importance of Tissue Sampling: Regular tissue sampling is vital for understanding the nutrient needs of citrus trees and tailoring nutrition programs accordingly.
• Risks of Over-application: Over-applying micronutrients can lead to toxicity and imbalances, while under-applying can cause nutrient deficiencies.
• Technological Advancements: New technologies, such as sap analysis and improved nutrient delivery systems, offer more accurate monitoring and management of micronutrient levels.
• Success Stories: Real-world examples demonstrate the positive impact of tissue sampling and nutrient management on crop yields and quality.
In this Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast episode, Dr. Isaac Mpanga, Yara's Sustainable Food Solutions Director, discusses the importance of sustainable food systems and agronomic agricultural practices. They explore the role of stakeholders in making sustainable agriculture a reality and how Yara is involved in promoting sustainable practices. Isaac emphasizes the need for coordination and communication among all players in the food chain to achieve transformation and sustainability. He also highlights the challenges growers face in implementing sustainable practices and the importance of return on investment for farmers. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the progress and future of sustainable agriculture.
We're excited to announce the launch of their sixth incubator farm in North America near Livingston County, New York, focused on improving forage quality and environmental sustainability in dairy feed production. The farm is a 150-acre field separated into strips alternating between corn silage and alfalfa. The goal is to study different crop nutrition programs and their impact on forage quality. The farm also aims to explore the relationship between manure nutrients and Yara fertilizers, as well as the use of calcium nitrate on alfalfa. The project is part of Yara's vision of nature-positive dairy production and aligns with the dairy industry's goal of achieving zero emissions by 2050. Emmaline Long, Agronomy Solutions Manager at Yara, will be leading our efforts at this incubator farm.
This episode of the Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast focuses on the vital role of potassium in citrus production and how it can boost yields. Potassium is crucial for water, nutrient, and carbohydrate movement in plants, enhancing leaf size, tree vigor, and overall health. It plays a major role in crop yield and fruit quality in citrus crops. Citrus trees take up more potassium than nitrogen, making it a critical nutrient. The right source of potassium depends on soil type and timing of application. Frequent applications in smaller doses are recommended for better nutrient uptake. Potassium deficiency can lead to hindered growth and smaller, lower-quality fruit. Yara Sales Agronomist, Vanessa Dominguez, joins us to help explain this agronomic golden nugget.
Learn more about citrus crop nutrition HERE.
In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Tobin Stetson, a seasoned professional with a rich civil engineering and soil conservation background, who recently joined Yara to support our efforts in the Eastern Canadian markets. We discuss the relationship between civil engineering and soil conservation, the importance of water in agriculture, and the projects Tobin has worked on in Prince Edward Island. We also explore sustainable farming practices, the impact of irrigation on crop production, and the role of Yara in supporting farmers in Eastern Canada.
Tobin comes to us with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. He has spent six years as a Soil & Water Conservation Engineer with the Prince Edward Island (PEI) Department of Agriculture. During his tenure, Tobin has been at the forefront of implementing advanced solutions in soil conservation, irrigation, and wastewater management. He's also deeply involved in enhancing farm infrastructure and promoting sustainable farming practices.
This is the 5th and final episode in a series of episodes dedicated to a network of incubator farms that Yara North America. These farms are dedicated to find innovative ways to improve farm productivity balanced with sustainable practices that can be implemented by growers to improve their on-farm profits.
In this episode the focus is on the Arkansas Delta incubator farm and its efforts to enhance nutrient and water use efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase yields. The standout feature of this farm is the tailwater recovery system, which recycles excess irrigation and rainwater and meters nitrogen application on a demand basis. The collaboration between Yara and the University of Arkansas has led to significant improvements in nutrient use efficiency, water use efficiency, and carbon footprint reduction. The farm has also seen a reduction in labor output and disruption of soil health. The tailwater pump technology is available to farmers, and they can receive incentive payments to implement it on their farms.
Guest experts on this episode are:
• Curt Knight, Soil Health Agronomist at Yara, • Neil Mayberry, Yara Regional Market Development Manager of the Easter US • Dr. Christopher Henry, Associate Professor and Water Management Engineer at the University of Arkansas. He is a specialist in irrigation system design, scheduling, and efficiency. • Dr. Tim Burcham, Director of the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center, or NERREC, for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
We are in the forth episode in a series of episodes dedicated to a network of incubator farms that Yara North America is using to find innovative ways to improve farm productivity balanced with sustainable practices that can be implemented by growers to improve their on-farm profits.
In this episode, Scott Warr and Erika Wagner discuss the Yara incubator farm in the Snake River Valley, Idaho, and its focus on potato production. They explore the differences between potato production for fries and the fresh market, as well as the objectives of the incubator farm in terms of crop nutrition, yield, quality, and carbon footprint. They also discuss the levers that can be pulled to reduce emissions in potato production and the importance of nutrient management in potato sizing and quality. Erika shares her excitement about the new season in the Snake River Valley and highlights the conferences and events where potato growers can learn more about the industry.
Erika Wagner, Agronomy Solutions Manager. Erika has a BS in molecular biology and a masters in agronomy.
Fun facts about potato production in Idaho: • Idaho grows the most acres of potatoes of any US state with 328,850 planted in 2023. • The majority of the potatoes grown are russet potatoes. • Russet potatoes grown in Idaho are used for processing into fries and for the fresh market. • The majority of potato acres in Idaho are located in the Snake River Valley.
We are in the third episode in a series of episodes dedicated to a network of incubator farms that Yara North America is using to find innovative ways to improve farm productivity balanced with sustainable practices that can be implemented by growers to improve their on-farm profits. Today, we're talking about the incubator farm in the Canadian prairies to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Spread across 40 acres, we are studying essential crops like wheat, canola, peas, and barley.
Managing the farm is Yara's Delaine Mandziak, Agronomist now focusing on biologicals.
In this part 2 of our Incubator Farm series, Devin Clarke, takes us to the Yara Almond Incubator Farm in Modesto, California, a pioneering site in the heart of California's Central Valley. The farm is part of a series dedicated to exploring innovative solutions that combine enhanced farm productivity with sustainable practices. This 80-acre farm, which also features a walnut grove, functions as a collaborative research hub.
Devin Clarke, Agronomy Solutions Manager at Yara North America and a member of the Strategic Ag Innovation Committee for the Almond Board of California, delves into the cutting-edge practices being tested on this farm. The focus of the discussion is on continuous fertigation, a method that optimizes nutrient delivery to almond trees based on weekly crop demand curves. This strategy not only improves nutrient use efficiency but also boosts yield and reduces disease incidence, such as whole rot.
Devin emphasizes the farm's role in pushing the boundaries of traditional almond farming by integrating innovative crop nutrition management strategies that enhance productivity and soil health. The episode also touches on the challenges of scaling these practices, including the need for better infrastructure and practical guidance to support the widespread adoption of continuous fertigation among growers.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into how collaborative efforts at the Yara Almond Incubator Farm are reshaping the future of nut farming, aligning technological advances with sustainable agricultural practices.
This is the first in a series of episodes focused on the five incubator farms that Yara is managing in North America. Launched in 2019, the Yara Incubator Farms Network is not just a series of farms; it's a visionary project connecting the dots between farming practices and the global food chain. With over 600 acres across North America, these farms serve as a living laboratory where cutting-edge research in soil fertility and crop nutrient management is conducted. This isn't just about increasing yields; it's about revolutionizing how we approach food production in harmony with the environment.
At the core of this initiative is the commitment to a triple bottom line: achieving climate neutrality, fostering sustainable farming practices, and enhancing Prosperity—all while supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Each farm within this network exemplifies Yara's dedication to these principles.
In this episode, we zoom in on a key player within this network—the Soil Health Incubator Farm in Auburn, Alabama. Situated within the EV Smith Research Station in collaboration with Auburn University, this 80-acre site serves as a prime example of how innovative farming practices can profoundly impact soil health and crop productivity.
Curt Knight, a Soil Health Agronomist at Yara, brings a wealth of knowledge with his Masters in Agronomy and soil science. Curt will shed light on the dynamic approaches being employed at the Auburn Incubator Farm to not only enhance soil health but also ensure profitable returns for farmers.
How important is the thin layer of crust on earth that we call soil? Dr. Rob Mikkelsen, Yara North America's Director of Agronomy, and soil science expert Professor John Havlin help us understand. Dr. Havlin's work has not only revolutionized grape cultivation in North Carolina but also advanced sustainable farming practices worldwide.
In this episode, we discuss the evolution of soil fertility practices, the impact of nutrient management on crop quality, and the significance of long-term agricultural trials. We'll also delve into Professor Havlin's intriguing research on wine grapes and how soil health drives the growing wine industry in North Carolina.
Nutrient management can become an opportunity for environmental stewardship.
Some Takeaways:
- Soil science is crucial for sustainable agriculture and the future of food production.
- Nutrient management and long-term trials play a significant role in improving farming practices.
- The book 'Soil Fertility and Fertilizer' has evolved over the years to address changing agricultural practices and environmental concerns.
- There is a need for more young people to pursue careers in soil science and agriculture.
- Teaching quantitative skills in soil science is a challenge but essential for understanding the science behind soil health and fertility. The work with wine grapes in North Carolina has been the most exciting and rewarding for John Havlin.
- Nutrient management, particularly nitrogen application, plays a crucial role in improving the quality of wine grapes.
- Soil health and fertility are essential for successful grape growing.
- The grape industry in North Carolina has grown significantly in the past few decades.
Dr. Havlin holds the position of professor and extension specialist in Crop & Soil Sciences at North Carolina State University. He has also served as the past president of the Soil Science Society of America. Dedicated to raising awareness about soil's crucial role, Dr. Havlin's efforts have contributed to the establishment of the House of Representatives Soils Caucus and a $4 million educational exhibit at the Smithsonian, which opened in 2008. This exhibit aims to educate the museum’s six million annual visitors on how soil is fundamentally connected to human health, environmental sustainability, and planetary well-being.
To learn more check out these links:
- Document for the Carolina Geological Society (2022)
- Journal article summarizing some of our vineyard nutrient management research (2022), which will serve as the basis for an Extension product coming out later this year.
In this episode of the Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast is a little different. We talk with Taylor Chalstrom, the dynamic managing editor of My Ag Life and host of the My Ag Life podcast. My Ag Life is a cornerstone resource dedicated to enriching the agricultural community in the Western United States with cutting-edge information. We talk about crucial topics such as soil health, the emerging role of biostimulants, advancements in agricultural technology, the intricacies of integrated pest management, and the criticality of effective water management.
Links and Resources:
- My Ag Life Podcast
- Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast Subscribe Link
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Dr. Jim Camberado discusses nitrogen use efficiency in crop production. Dr. Camberado shares his experience working with crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and the challenges in executing nitrogen use efficiency. He emphasizes the importance of nitrogen use efficiency due to the dynamic nature of nitrogen in the soil and its impact on crop productivity. Dr. Camberado also addresses misconceptions about nitrogen use efficiency and provides insights into optimizing nitrogen application during uncertain pricing. Dr. Camberado's achievements include significant awards from the American Society of Agronomy and impactful roles at both Purdue and Clemson University.
Dr. Camberato's work focuses on developing and disseminating nutrient use recommendations to enhance agricultural productivity. As a member of leading societies like the Soil Science Society of America, his expertise is invaluable to the farming community. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of nitrogen management with an expert in the field.
Useful Links:
- Perdue University's Soil Fertility site
- Some of Dr. Camberado's publications
What does it take to grow the perfect grape? Find out in today’s episode with Stan Grant, a vineyard specialist with decades of experience in the grape-growing industry. We discuss Stan's journey into grape growing, the biggest issue in grape nutrition, balancing yield and quality, changes in grape growing practices, creating a crop nutrition plan, differentiating grape varieties for wine, table grapes, and raisins, the challenges and future of the grape industry, and Stan's publications and speaking engagements. Takeaways * Grapevines require a balanced approach to nutrition and stress management to achieve high-quality yields. * Mechanization and precision fertigation have revolutionized grape growing practices, allowing for more efficient use of resources. * Different grape varieties are cultivated for wine, table grapes, and raisins, each with specific production goals and management practices. * The grape industry faces challenges such as labor shortages, water availability, and disease management, but innovation and efficiency can help overcome these obstacles. * Stan Grant's expertise and contributions to the grape industry have been instrumental in raising the level of knowledge and improving practices.
Useful Links that we mentioned
- Lodi Growers
- Idaho Wine Commission
In recent years, we have seen a rise in soil acidification. Today's episode discusses the causes, signs, and effects of soil acidification, as well as strategies for mitigation, adaptation, and prevention (MAP). Joining Yara's Dr. Rob Mikkelsen is Dr. Clain Jones, renowned Montana State University Extension soil fertility specialist and Dr. Manbir Rakkar, Assistant Professor at Ohio State University who help us understand the significance of soil pH changes. Soil acidification can be caused by natural factors such as high rainfall and unbuffered rock, as well as human activities like nitrogen fertilizer application. Signs of soil acidification include stunted plant growth, nutrient deficiencies, herbicide damage, and increased fungal disease occurrence. Regular soil testing is crucial for monitoring soil pH and detecting acidification. Alternative methods for soil pH testing, such as pH sticks and remote sensing technology, can also be used. Preventing soil acidification can involve improving nitrogen use efficiency and incorporating legume crops or perennials into cropping systems. Mitigation strategies include applying lime and changing crop rotation. It is important to manage soil acidification to maintain soil and plant health and prevent long-term yield losses. Variable rate lime application and site-specific monitoring of pH can help optimize lime usage. Check out the video, "Acidification of Cropland Soil: Impact, Causes, and Solutions" that Dr. Jones created that helps explain the soil acidification issue. Read the article, "The Implication of Soil Acidity and Management Options for Sustainable Crop Production in Africa"
This episode explores the history, development, and sustainability of the potash industry. We are joined by Dr. Davide Ciceri, who currently leads innovative R&D at AgroPlantae, Inc. and Yara’s Director of Agronomy, Dr. Rob Mikkelsen.
We begin with the origins of potash, which can be traced back to ancient methods of extracting potassium compounds from wood ashes. The conversation then delves into the development of the potash fertilizer industry, highlighting the work of chemist von Liebig and the commercial mining of potash in Germany. The different methods of potash mining, including underground mining and solution mining, are discussed. The conversation also explores the sustainability of potash resources and the potential for alternative sources of potassium. The importance of considering the right source of potassium for specific crops and soil conditions is emphasized. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the historical significance of potash and the ongoing research and development in the industry.
Dr. Ciceri wrote an insightful article, “Historical and Technical Developments of Potassium Resources.”
Here are the links to our other episodes on the history of fertilizers: - The Alchemy of Air with Author Thomas Hager - The History and Future of Phosphorus for Plants - An Unsung Hero: Norman Borlaug
Here is a beautiful photo of the potash evaporation ponds near Moab, Utah
In this episode, the hosts discuss the benefits and challenges of using liquid fertilizers. Dr. Karl Wyant, Director of Agronomy at Nutrien, and Dr. Rob Mikkelsen, Director of Agronomy at Yara, explain how liquid fertilizers offer more flexibility in creating customized nutrient formulations tailored to specific crop needs. They emphasize the importance of understanding compatibility and safety when blending and handling liquid fertilizers. We discuss the concept of suspension and solution fertilizers and discuss the differences between them. Highlighed is the significance of pre-planning, jar testing, and using resources like compatibility tables and Yara's Tankmix to avoid mixing issues. They provide insights on storing and maintaining liquid fertilizers and discuss future innovations in the field.
Takeaways
- Liquid fertilizers offer flexibility in creating customized nutrient formulations for specific crops.
- Understanding compatibility and safety is crucial when blending and handling liquid fertilizers.
- Jar testing is an important tool to predict compatibility and avoid mixing issues.
- Proper storage and maintenance of liquid fertilizers are essential to ensure their effectiveness.
Links:
- Karl's recent article in Fertilizer International Magazine, "Liquid Fertilizers - Compatibility and Safety"
- Karl mentioned the Fluid Fertilizer Foundation as a resource
- Yara's Tankmix to avoid mixing issues
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to liquid fertilizers 04:30 Challenges of liquid fertilizer mixing 06:44 Difference between suspension and solution fertilizers 10:23 Importance of knowing suspension and solution fertilizers 12:13 The importance of jar testing 18:36 Storage and maintenance of liquid fertilizers 21:37 Storing liquid fertilizers over the winter 23:40 Maintenance and cleaning of fertilizer tanks 26:38 Future innovations in liquid fertilizers 31:41 Conclusion and holiday wishes
In the dynamic world of crop production, staying ahead means understanding not just the 'how' but the 'why' behind effective agronomics. And that's exactly what we're unpacking in this episode. Foliar nutrition is more than just a trend; it’s a pivotal part of modern agriculture, offering targeted, efficient, and quick nutrient delivery to your crops.
We'll explore the science behind foliar feeding,
- how it complements traditional soil nutrition,
- its role in maximizing crop health and yield.
- how folier applied nutrition can help plants in drought conditions
To help us understand this we have two experts: Dr. Rob Mikkelsen, Yara North America's Director of Agronomy and Delaine Madziak, Regional Market Development Manager for Western Canada. They are going to relate real-world case studies, and practical tips that you, as a grower or agronomist, can apply in your fields.
How can furthering the practices of the 4R nutrient management, transform not only agricultural productivity but also contribute significantly to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation?
Dr. Tom Bruulsema, Chief Scientist at Plant Nutrition Canada, and Yara’s Director Of Agronomy, Dr. Rob Mikkelsen are back with us to talk about the advancement of the 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship.
In addition to Dr. Bruulsema's many jobs, he is also a committee member at the Scientific Panel on Responsible Plant Nutrition or SPRPN.
In a previous episode with Tom, we talked about the ambitious mandate by the Canadian government to cut fertilizer-related greenhouse emissions by 30% by the year 2030. We talked about the critical role of the R's of nutrient stewardship (rate, source, timing, and placement) in curbing emissions and enhancing nitrogen use efficiency.
In this episode, we will explore why there's a pressing need to further the 4Rs. We'll discuss how the 4R concept has been integrated into agricultural conversations worldwide and examine its impact over the past decade in North America and globally.
We'll also address the idea proposed by Paul Fixen in an earlier podcast about adding more "R's" to the existing framework.
This episode is a part 2 from last week, where Dr. Rob Mikkelsen met up with some notable soil scientists at the American Society of Agronomy conference.
In this episode of our podcast, we delve into the life and career of Dr. John Ryan, a distinguished international soil scientist with an extraordinary background. Born and raised in Ireland, Dr. Ryan's journey in the realm of semi-arid agriculture is as fascinating as it is impactful.
Dr. Ryan, holding degrees from University College Dublin and the University of Arizona, and a Certified Professional Soil Scientist, takes us through his remarkable journey from the green landscapes of Ireland to the arid environments of Arizona, Lebanon, Morocco, and Syria. He shares the unique challenges and rewards of working in these diverse climates, emphasizing his work with smallholder farms in resource-limited settings.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Ryan discusses how improving agricultural productivity can transform the lives of families and communities, especially in semi-arid zones. He sheds light on the significant barriers to enhancing farm productivity in these regions, including climate change, erratic rainfall, and political instability.
Dr. Ryan also reflects on his professional contributions, expressing pride in the international service awards he's received from notable societies like ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, and being named a Fellow in all three. His insights on the future of farming under challenging conditions are both enlightening and thought-provoking.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in agriculture, environmental science, and the real-world impact of scientific research. Join us as we explore the journey of a man who went from an Irish kid to a global influencer in the field of soil science and agriculture.
Dr. Rob Mikkelsen recently attended the American Society of Agronomy Conference. He reunited with many of his colleagues and we have the chance to bring two international influencers onto our podcast over the next couple weeks.
In this week's podcast, we delve into the heart of modern agriculture with Dr. Fernando Garcia, a renowned expert in soil fertility and crop nutrition. Dr. Garcia is a Free Professor at the College of Agricultural Sciences of the National University of Mar del Plata, Argentina, and a consultant for various agricultural organizations, shares his valuable insights into ecologically intensified cropping systems and their impact on global agriculture. Some of the topics we covered are
- The Four Pillars of Agriculture: no-till farming, crop rotation, cover crops, and balanced nutrition.
- Dr. Garcia’s perspective on how these pillars contribute to sustainable agriculture.
- Comparative Agriculture: Argentina vs. North America.
- Dr. Garcia outlines key challenges in modern agriculture and discusses innovative approaches and technologies in addressing these challenges with an emphasis on the importance of adapting to climate change and environmental pressures.
- Exploration of programs and strategies used by Argentinian farmers and how these practices can be examples for farmers globally.
- The role of government and private sector in supporting these initiatives.
Make sure you check out next week's episode with Dr. John Ryan
In this episode of the Yara Crop Nutrition podcast, we delve into the world of crop management and dairy operations with guests Emmaline Long from Yara North America and Dave DeGolyer from the Western New York Crop Management Association. Over 35 minutes, they discuss the critical role of 4R Nutrient Stewardship in dairy farms, including the development and importance of Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMP) for dairies, and the unique factors such as manure management that affect these operations. Dave also sheds light on his organization's journey to 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification, detailing the process, importance, and impact on their business.
In this episode of the Yara's Crop Nutrition Podcast, Scott and Dr. Rob Michelson discuss the Canadian government's mandate to reduce fertilizer-related greenhouse emissions by 30% by 2030. They are joined by Dr. Tom Bruulsema, the chief scientist at Plant Nutrition Canada, to delve into the evidence supporting the four R's of nutrient stewardship and their role in reducing emissions and improving nitrogen use efficiency. The conversation covers the importance of finding a balance between reducing emissions and maintaining high crop yields, the use of nitrification inhibitors to reduce nitrous oxide emissions, and the need to consider all four R's (rate, source, timing, and placement) in fertilizer management. Dr. Bruulsema highlights the economic benefits for farmers and the collaborative efforts between the government and industry to support the adoption of sustainable practices. The episode concludes with a call for continued collaboration and innovation to achieve lasting gains in nutrient stewardship. Tune in to gain insights into Canada's efforts to achieve emission reduction targets while maximizing productivity and sustainability in agriculture.
In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating world of soil science and agronomy with Dr. Newell Kitchen, who has recently published an eye-opening research paper titled "A New Perspective When Examining Maize Fertilizer Nitrogen Use Efficiency, Incrementally." We'll explore the key insights from his groundbreaking work and how they can transform the future of farming.
- Introduction to Dr. Newell Kitchen and his illustrious career in soil science and agronomy.
- History of the USDA-Agricultural Research Service
- Where we've come in nitrogen management over the past 30 years
Recommended Resources
- Article, "A New Perspective When Examining Maize Fertilizer Nitrogen Use Efficiency, Incrementally"
- USDA Agriculture Research Service Website
- Newell's consulting business is Agronomic, Geologic & Environmental Services
In this episode, we're excited to welcome Dr. Grant Cardon, a professor and Extension Soils Specialist at Utah State University's Department of Plants, Soils & Climate. With years of expertise in soil, water, and nutrient management in the Western U.S., Dr. Cardon is a leading authority in his field. Today, Yara's Dr. Rob Mikkelsen joins in the conversation where we tackle a question many have about soil testing: "Why do different soil labs yield varying results from the same samples?" Dr. Cardon will guide us through the importance of accurate soil testing, the variables that cause these discrepancies, and how to ensure you're getting the most reliable data for your soil analyses. Whether you're an agronomist, a grower, or simply interested in the science behind the soil, this episode offers invaluable insights.
Soil Science Society of America's North American Proficiency Testing.
Check out Dr. Cardon's blog, Dirt Diggers Digest article on this subject.
We recently did a podcast episode on the creation of the 4Rs of Nutrient stewardship with Dr. Paul Fixen. This was a simple to understand management strategy to improve nutrient use efficiency and on-farm profits. Today we are going to expand on this strategy and talk about how the evolution of farming has changed and how we can become more precise in our execution of the 4Rs and see improved results.
Today we are diving into a fascinating topic that is both crucial to modern agriculture and a wonder of the natural world – bees. These tiny yet mighty creatures have been an integral part of farming for centuries, shaping the landscapes of our fields and the flavors on our plates.
In this episode, we're joined by a seasoned bee expert, Jeff Shaw, Bee Hero, and Jesus Toro, Agronomy Specialist, and apiarist, who will guide us through the historical significance of bees in agriculture, their invaluable role in pollination, and how they can be allies in boosting your on-farm profits through complete nutrition programs. We'll explore the intricate relationship between bees and the crops they help flourish, uncovering the challenges they face and the solutions that pave the way for a harmonious coexistence.
Links that you might find helpful:
- Bee Informed: dedicated to working with beekeepers to improve colony health and increase colony survivorship.
- Bee Where: Bringing beekeepers and pesticide applicators together by tracking and safeguarding hive locations across California using simple mapping tools
- Xerces Society: international nonprofit organization that protects the natural world through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats
- American Beekeeper Federation: Acts on behalf of the beekeeping industry on issues affecting the interests and the economic viability of the various sectors of the industry
- Project Apis m.: Funds research and efforts to improve honey bee health and vitality.
In this episode of the Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast, we will explore apple fertility, focusing on the key nutrients that are essential for optimal growth and fruit development. We also uncover the factors that impact fertility recommendations, including soil pH, organic matter content, weather conditions, and crop rotation practices. Emmaline Long, Agronomy Solutions Manager here in North America.
It’s been 11 years since the 4R Plant Nutrition manual was published, setting out a framework for the stewardship of plant nutrients agreed to by soil fertility scientists and crop nutrition practitioners. This episode delves into the fascinating history behind the 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship, a groundbreaking framework created by The Fertilizer Institute with the invaluable expertise of Paul Fixen and our own Directory of Agronomic Services, Rob Mikkelsen.
Paul Fixen is retired from serving as Senior Vice President of the International Plant Nutrition Institute where his responsibilities included coordination of the Institute's global research efforts. Dr. Fixen also served as the 2016 President of the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), the largest agronomic professional and scientific society in the world.
Get the manual, "4R Plant Nutrition: A Manual for Improving the Management of Plant Nutrition"
"Furthering 4R Nutrient Stewardship" article we discussed.
"A Brief Accont of the Genesis of 4R Nutrient Stewardship"
In the realm of professional sports, the meticulous care of sports turf fields sets the stage for exceptional athlete performance. Unlike traditional farmlands, urban landscapes, or native ecosystems, these specialized fields demand precise agronomic strategies to withstand the rigors of athletic activity. Tailoring crop nutrition to specific turf grass varieties, managing constant foot traffic, and ensuring rapid recovery all contribute to lush, resilient playing surfaces that meet exacting sports industry standards while upholding the health of these green spaces. Joined by Yara's Neil Mayberry, Regional Market Development Manager for the Eastern US, Dr. Rob Mikkelsen, Director of Agronomic Services and Dr. Bryan Hopkins from Brigham Young University, this podcast episode delves into their insights drawn from a comprehensive study of North American sports turf fields, unraveling effective management practices that bridge the gap between playability and sustainability.
Be sure to check out the bible, "Best Management Practices for the Sports Field Manager"
Another resouce is a talk that Dr. Bryan Hopkins did last year, "Soil Science Simplified: The Dirt on Green Grass"
Today Dr. Rob Mikkelsen talks about the pivotal role sulfur plays within plants, its intricate relationship with other nutrients, notably nitrogen, and the remarkable impact it has on overall plant health. We will delve into the factors contributing to the increasing prevalence of sulfur deficiencies in North America and discuss the far-reaching consequences for both plants and the environment. As we navigate the ramifications of sulfur deficiency, we will equip you with practical insights on identifying and addressing sulfur deficiencies in your crops. From the various sources of sulfur available to meet crop needs to actionable steps for optimizing sulfur management, we have all the answers you need. We will discuss
Welcome to a special episode of the Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast! Soil health seems to be ubiquitous in our agronomic discussions today. Soil health has three main properties: physical, chemical and biological.
Today, we have the privilege of hosting Dr. Jacob Parnell, an esteemed expert in soil health and fertility. In this episode, Dr. Parnell will delve into how new soil testing methods help us understand more about our soil health and how it might impact our fertilizer use efficiency. Join us as we explore the significance of soil health, unravel the mysteries behind soil testing methods, and uncover how these tests can revolutionize the way we optimize fertilizer applications.
Have you ever wondered if the buzz around soil biology and its impact on soil health is grounded in scientific evidence or just exaggerated hype? Well, you're not alone. Today, we're joined by an esteemed expert, Andrew McQuire from Washington State University. He is here to debunk some myths and shed light on the truth behind soil biology and its practical implications for farming practices.
Andy will share his insights on how farmers can navigate through the maze of information and make informed decisions for sustainable soil health management.
• Andrew McGuire is an agronomist working in the Columbia Basin’s irrigated cropping systems. His current focus is on helping farmers build soils, save money, and maintain yields through high residue farming systems and cover cropping. Andy has been with the CSANR since 1999. Before coming to Washington, Andy worked for the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Western Colorado, and from 1988-1990, he served in the Peace Corps as a rural water engineer in Ecuador. Andy has a B.S. degree in Agricultural Engineering from Colorado State University and a M.S. degree in Agronomy from the University of California-Davis.
Stay tuned to next week's continued discussion about Soil ecology with Dr. Jacob Parnell.
In today's episode, we are excited to explore the topic of regenerative farming. We are delighted to have a special guest, Benina Montes with Burroughs Family Farms, a family-owned and operated business in California that has been at the forefront of regenerative agriculture for over four decades.
We will delve into the various strategies and practices that Burroughs Family Farms has implemented to enhance their soil health and overall sustainability. We will discuss the importance of cover crops, crop rotations, and nutrient management in promoting healthy soil microbiomes, increasing soil organic matter, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In this episode, we explore the use of aerial imagery in modern agriculture. The episode covers different types of aerial imagery available to farmers, such as drones, airplane, and satellite imagery, and discusses the advantages of using this technology for crop monitoring. Imagery expert, Jesus Salcedo with the Morningstar company talks about the challenges and limitations of using aerial imagery in agriculture, as well as the potential for new technologies such as hyperspectral imaging and machine learning to transform the way farmers use and interpret this data. Overall, the episode highlights the potential benefits and considerations of using aerial imagery in precision agriculture.
Find out more about Morningstar Company HERE
Learn more about Gradient Crop Yield Solutions HERE
In today's episode, we'll be exploring the fascinating relationship between proper plant nutrition and disease and pest management. We all know that a healthy plant is better equipped to fend off pests and diseases, but did you know that the right balance of nutrients can also play a crucial role in preventing outbreaks and managing infestations? Dr. Rob Mikkelsen, Yara's Dir. of Agronomic Services is joining us today to teach us more about the science behind this important relationship, as well as practical tips for implementing effective plant nutrition strategies on your farm.
It has been estimated that fertilizers contribute to about half of global food production. However, these same fertilizers can be responsible for green house gas emmisions. How can we strike a balance between the benefits of fertilizer use in food production and the greenhouse gas emissions attributed to fertilizers?
In this episode, Dr. Rob Mikkelsen helps us explore the impact of fertilizers on the environment, specifically their contribution to Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. We will discuss the importance of reducing these emissions through sustainable agriculture practices to mitigate climate change and ensure a healthy planet for future generations. Join us as we delve into the challenges and opportunities of balancing crop nutrition with environmental sustainability.
In this episode, we discuss the benefits of cover crops in terms of sustainability, profitability, and soil health. We explore the ROI of cover crops and how they can improve nutrient use efficiency in farming. Yara's Director of Agronomic Services, Dr. Rob Mikkelsen is joined by Curt Knight, Soil Health Agronomist to provide insight on the latest research and practical tips for farmers looking to incorporate cover crops into their operations.
- Explanation of what cover crops are and how they are used in agriculture
- Types of cover crops and the benefits of each
- Some history of cover crops
- Overview of the benefits of cover crops for sustainability, profitability, and soil health
- Discussion of the financial benefits of cover crops, including reduced input costs and increased crop yields
- Explanation of how cover crops can improve nutrient use efficiency by cycling nutrients and reducing leaching
Useful links for further learning
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education is a great place to start. Lots of good information on the specifics of cover crop selection and cover cropping strategies.
There are many cost sharing and incentive programs for cover crops:
- USDA Cover Crop Subsidy
- NRCS EQIP (environmental quality incentives program)
- Carbon credit programs: where the company will pay you based on the amount of carbon that your cropping systems have sequestered. Cover crops are usually included in these programs. Our friends at Agoro Carbon Alliance.
- Many statewide and regional cost-sharing programs
For our friends in Canada:
- Ag Action Manitoba
- Ducks Unlimited Canada
- Canadian Agricultural Partnership
- On-Farm Climate Action Fund (Canadian Federal Initiative)
In our last podcast, we looked back in history with a couple Ag Leaders, Dr. Bill Easterwood and Dr. Steve Petrie. In this episode, we speak with Brian Kenyon, VP of Innovation and Sustainable Solutions. How can we move from short-term to long-term profit through innovation and a circular economy? Brian give us his top innovations that can lead us to a nature possitive food future.
Brian Kenyon retired at the end of 2022 after 14 years with Yara where he has held many roles from product and market development to commercial, to his last role as VP of Innovation and Sustainable Solutions. His perspective and experience give him a wholistic view of agriculture into the future.
Brian mentioned Paul Pulman’s book Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More than They Take.
Check out this article on Yara's leadership in Green Ammonia.
One of Yara's goals is to grow the knowledge of our community. Today we are fortunate to talk with Dr. Bill Easterwood and Dr. Steve Petrie. Both have been working in agriculture for over 70 year combined. They have learned a lot and seen a lot of changes over their carrers. We sit down with them to give us perspective on our industry and what amazing opportunities we have in the future.
Dr. Bill Easterwood is retiring this year after 31 years with Yara. Dr. Steve Petrie retired from Yara last year. We are fotunate to have all worked and learned from them.
This is the fourth episode in a series that will help us understand soil analysis and how it can be beneficial as you create a complete nutrition plan.
In this episode, we discuss what we do with the soil analysis report we get back from the lab. How do we interpret these results and create a nutrition plan that will create the optimal ROI for your field and crop. It might be beneficial to listen to the previous episodes:
- Is There Value in Soil Analysis
- What You Need To Know When You Are Taking Soil Samples
- Soil Analysis - Lab Considerations and Analytical Processes
If you have any questions or want to learn more, please visit Yara US or Yara Canada
If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment
This is the third episode in a series that will help us understand soil analysis and how it can be beneficial as you create a complete nutrition plan. In this episode, we talk about how to select a lab, what types of tests a lab can run, and what you should know about the process that might help with the interpretation. It might be beneficial to listen to the previous episodes:
- Is There Value in Soil Analysis
- What You Need To Know When You Are Taking Soil Samples
Check out this 2:00-minute VIDEO that shows what happens when your soil samples arrive at the lab.
Here are a couple of organizations that make sure labs are proficient in their protocols and a list of labs that have been certified:
- NAPT North American Proficiency Testing Program
- ALP Agricultural Laboratory Proficiency Program
If you have any questions or want to learn more, please visit Yara US or Yara Canada
If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment
This is part 2 of our soil analysis series.
In this episode we discuss when, where and how to take soil samples that you will send to the lab. We discuss the differences of grid sampling vs. zone sampling and composit sampling.
Listen to our first episode when we discussed why or if you should do soil analysis HERE
Dr. Rob Mikkelsen, Yara North America's Director of Agronomic Services, helps us understand the origin of using phosphorus for plants and how this has changed over the years. We discuss what the future of phosphorus might look like too.
Read Dr. Rob's article we reference HERE
Check out a couple of our favorite episodes:
- An Unsung Hero: Norman Borlaug
- The Alchemy of Air with author Thomas Hager
We have stated that soil analysis should be your baseline & starting point for developing a good nutrition plan for your crops. Is this still the case? Are there better ways to determine what the plant needs to maximize its genetic potential? Are soil tests accurate? What about spatial variability? Do they cost too much money? Are tissue/petiole tests better?
In this part 1 of a series of episodes focused on soil analysis, Dr. Rob Mikkelsen and Markus Braaten discuss these questions and if and how soil analysis should be integrated into your workflow.
As we work through these topics, we would love to hear from YOU. If you have comments or questions, please submit them by clicking HERE or emailing scott.warr@yara.com.
There are many variables in farming. Distruptions are a challenge that growers are atuned to recognizing and making decisions that can minimize the impact. Gary Vogen, Yara North America's VP of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs joins Dr. Rob Mikkelsen and Devin Clarke to discuss some of the new regulatory issues that are specific to fertilizers and how they might effect agriculture.
Permanant Crop Manager, Devin Clarke, talks about the importance of post harvest irrigation on almonds relative to carbohydrate production and storage. It is the only time that we can build carbohydrates in excess of what the tree is demanding and store for the coming bloom resulting in improved yields.
This episode originally aired in the fall of 2018 when we weren't in an extreme drought. In this episode Yara's Regional Sales Manager, Peter DeBoer, and Spencer Cooper, formerly with the Almond Board of California discuss strategies to properly irrigate almonds post harvest.
If you would like further information, please visit
- This article on Yara's web site
- The Almond Board of California's Irrigation Continuum
- Get in touch with the field outreach team at the Almond Board of California
Crop Manager Delaine Mandziak, gives us an update on the activities on one of our four North America Incubator Farms. Listen to our introduction to this farm on our initial episode about this Farm.
Delaine talks about the devestating drought conditions they have endured throughout Western Canada and they unexpected learnings from this. She also updates us on the 2022 observational data and the importance of a complete nutrition program during these challenging times.
The Saskatoon incubator farm is 80-acres of row crops that feature Western Canada's cropping system including canola, wheat, barley, peas, lentils, etc. To find out more about the Saskatoon field click HERE
Yara has created these incubator farms in North America with collaborative efforts with customers, partners, and various technology providers, Yara plans to utilize these farms to study and advance insights into all aspects of the cropping system. To find out more about the incubator farms click HERE.
One in three people in the world suffer from a tragic condition called hidden hunger. Hidden hunger is when a person might appear healthy but their diets are low in nutrients and vitamins making them vulnerable to illness and disease including blindness, reduced cognative development, stunted growth, etc.
Agriculture and the food channel can help solve this problem by using seed varieties that are more nutritious and using a balanced nutritional plan when growing these crops.
Dr. Rob Mikkelsen joins us to discuss what biofortification, why it is important and how our industry can improve the diets of the worlds population.
Dr. Trey Cutts, Market Development Manager for Yara North America, gives us an update on the 80-acre incubator farm we are working in Auburn, Alabama. This is the 4th growing season for the farm that grows corn, cotton and soybeans.
Listen to our past episode on this incubator farm
Learn more about the incubator farm
Dr. Bill Easterwood, Kelsay Gunthorp and Richard Newman help us understand citrus nutrition, how to manage HLB and some of the new research that has been done in the last year with Yara and with the University of Florida.
Check out or previous Citrus episode, "Complete Citrus: Good Agronomics Always Win"
Learn more about Yara's Complete Citrus solution HERE
Learn more about Citrus from University of Florida
Erika Wagner, Yara Crop Manager, updates us on the 130-acre Columbia Basin Incubator Farm focused mainly on potato.
She discusses the weather challenges they had early in the year and some of the preliminary findings from the 2022 season.
Watch this short video about the Columbia Basin Incubator Farm
Listen to our previous episode on the Columbia Basin Incubator Farm
Learn more about Yara's Top Potato Program HERE
Into our third full year at our Modesto, California Incubator Farm, Devin Clarke, Crop Manager, stops by to give us an update on what we are learning.
Here is the episode where we explain the purpose of our incubator farms.
To find out more about the Modesto almond field click HERE
Learn more about almond nutrition HERE
Learn more about the Better Soil Alliance
Alfalfa is an important crop for us: grown on an extimated 74 million acres world-wide. North America is the highest producer, representing 41% of the world-wide total. Among US crops, alfalfa is the 3rd in value after corn and soybeans with over $8 billion annually. However, this doesn't include the value of dairy and other animal products.
One of the unique properties of alfala and other legume crops, is that they can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere via nodules on the roots that contain bacteria. This process is called nitrogen fixation.
So why would we want to add suplimental nitrogen and other nutrients to the crop? Yara agronomists, Jimmy Ridgeway and Markus Bratten,CCA help us understand why.
Check out the article Jimmy wrote on alfalfa nutrition.
This week, Sales Agronomist, Brady Stover 'tees-up' all the tips and tricks that he's learned over the years for pulling soil samples - from transporting your probe to creating a randomized pattern in the field. 00:00 Intro
01:16 What is soil sampling
04:03 Determining a sampling pattern 06:44 In-field considerations
07:54 Pulling a sample
11:16 Bagging the sample
12:53 Selecting which test to run
Yara has added a fourth incubator farm to our North America efforts to collaborate and learn. This one is located in the Columbia Basin in Washington in some of the highest yielding potato acres in the world. In this episode, Erika Wagner, Crop Manager, and Brady Stover, Sales Agronomist will join us to explain what we are trying to accomplish on these 130-acre fields.
Watch this short video about the potato farm
Through collaborative efforts with customers, partners, and various technology providers, Yara plans to utilize these incubator farms to study and advance insights into all aspects of the cropping system.
To find out more about all our incubator farms click HERE.
Agriculture is a dynamic business. Food security and farming sustainability are key for our growing population and issues with inputs. What should we be thinking about and how can we collaborate to find solutions?
This week, Yara's Sales Agronomist Brady Stover takes advantage of a warm day to drop the top and hit the field. Find out what you need to consider when applying fertilizer early in the spring.
In this episode we play the introduction to a new podcast, Carbon Farming Podcast, a podcast produced by Agoro Carbon Alliance.
Agoro Carbon Alliance is taking action across the global food value chain to grow a permanent, farm-based carbon solution through Farm Carbon Credits and certified climate-smart crops. One question that we hear more often than any other is: so what is carbon farming, anyway?
In this introduction of the Carbon Farming Podcast, Alex Bell, co-founder and CEO of Agoro Carbon Alliance and Anastasia Pavlovic, co-founder and COO of Agoro Carbon Alliance help us understand what the carbon marketplace is and how it works. Agoro Carbon Alliance was formed to help farmers and ranchers, in future episodes, we'll chat with individuals in the carbon farming value chain so that we can better understand how to strengthen our farms and ranches while sustaining our future.
If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Carbon Farming Podcast
If you have comments or suggestions, please the Agoro Carbon Alliance's website or call 888-224-7423. And be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn
In the final video of our nutrient series, Yara's Sales Agronomist Brady Stover comes clean on the use of magnesium in crops.
When managing your turf nutrition program, it is important to know your soil Ph. This will help you determine the correct 4Rs for your comprehensive program.
Yara's turf team of Neil Mayberry, Crop Manager for T&O, joins sales agronomists Brian Grill and Cole McNally to help us understand soil Ph and why it is an important factor before deciding on your nitrogen program.
Learn more and sign up for our Optimum Turf Newsletter at our Optimum Turf web page.
In this video podcast, Yara Sales Agronomist Brady Stover, explains the importance of Boron in crop Nutrition.
Dr. Rob Mikkelsen, Yara's Director of Agronomic Services, joins us again to bust a common myth that organic fertilizers are preferred by plants.
To learn more about Yara please visit us at
- https://www.yara.us
- https://www.yaracanada.ca
When we think of pennys, we typically think of copper, but in the last 40 years, Zinc has been the main ingredient in manufacturing US pennys.
In this video podcast, Yara Sales Agronomist Brady Stover, explains the basics of zinc as a fertilizer.
2022 is another challenging year for farms. Input costs are rising and availability might be limited. As we look to be more efficient with these inputs, change is critical.
Peter DeBoer, Yara Regional Sales Manager for Northern California, helps us understand three strategies to be more efficient with our inputs while ensuring profitability and sustainability.
We recently received a comment and question on our podcast web page that had to do with how Iron (Fe) interacts with turf and how it can help with greening. Yara's turf team of Neil Mayberry, Crop Manager for T&O, with sales agronomists Brian Grill and Cole McNally address this question and help us all understant the interaction of Fe on Turf. Learn more and sign up for our Optimum Turf Newsletter at our Optimum Turf web page.
Brian mentioned THIS article about Fe on Turf.
Here is a statement that I read on the internet recently, "...while fertilizers make crops grow better and faster, half of the fixed nitrogen we add is lost. Imagine that--we lose the equivalent of 12 million nitrogen elephants (~165 billion pounds) every year"
Dr. Rob Mikkelsen, Yara's Director of Agronomic Services, helps us understand this statement and bust this myth.
Submit a comment, question or suggestion by visiting our podcast webpage
This week, Yara's Sales Agronomist Brady Stover explains how Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel has impacted the availability of sulfur fertilizer and discusses the benefits of an often-overlooked nutrient.
If you have a question, comment or suggestion, please go to our podcast webpage and let us know.
Dr. Rob Mikkelsen insists that good science rules the day. We look at the statement that mineral fertilizers are poisoning the soil and reduce agricultural productivity and is food grown with mineral fertilizers are less nutritious. He explains that an integrated nutrient management system to acheive the best results.
Dr. Rob helps us understand the chemistry, plant physiology and the science-based research in order for us to understand and bust these myths.
Rob mentions the Rothamstead Research Center, one of the oldest agricultural research institutions in the world, having been founded in 1843.
If you have comments or suggestions on this episode or this podcast, please comment on our web site
In Episode 3 of this VIDEO PODCAST, Yara's Sales Agronomist in the Pacific Northwest, Brady Stover, provides insight on the origins of potassium. He explains potassium's essential roll in plants, its various forms and how to best apply it.
Should we be afraid of sythetic fertiilzers? Are synthetic fertilizers bad for us?
Dr. Rob Mikkelsen, Yara's Director of Agronomic Services, helps us bust some myths about fertilizers and agronomy. In this episode, Rob takes on the statement that mineral fertilizers are not natural. There are many different categories/definitions of fertilizers: organic, natural, mineral, sythetic. Rob helps us define and understand these terms and understand IF there is a danger with mineral fertilizers.
In our second installment of the video podcast series, Yara's Sales Agronomist in the Pacific Northwest, Brady Stover, tests out an unconventional healing method and breaks down the mystery of phosphorus.
Drought in the western United States will continue to be a problem in 2022. What are your strategies for improving water productivity? In this episode, Dr. Karl Wyant discusses how soil microbes can help your soil structure and biology allowing for effective penetration and better infiltration. Once the water is in the soil, the soil bacteria and fungi produce sticky gluelike substances that bind the soil particles and improve the water holding capacity of the soil.
Spring is a great time to begin or renew your healthy soil program and take advantage of the water you are applying.
You can read more in Dr. Wyant's article in Progressive Crop Consultant and visit these web sites:
- Better Soil Alliance
- Phycoterra
Our other soil-related episodes with Dr. Wyant:
- Don't Treat Your Soil Like Dirt
- Don't Treat Your Soil Like Dirt part 2
- Reducing Drought Stress with Healthier Soils
Dr. Wyant is the Director of Ag Science for Heliae Ag. He earned a PhD in Biology from the Arizona State University with an emphasis in soil science. He also earned a Master of Science in Soil Ecology from Colorado State University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of Northern Colorado.
Yara Sales Agronomist, Brady Stover, explains that our air is 78% nitrogen but our plants cannot use it. Why? He explains the industrial process that was discovered 110 years ago that allows us to convert this atmospheric N to a form that is usable by plants. He continues to explain how to effectively use different N sources by using the 4 R's of nutrient stewardship.
Why are the prices so high and limited availability?
How can we maximize our economic yeilds?
Yara's Dr. Rob Mikkelsen and Chris Gallo join to discuss pricing and availability issues. We look at the 2022 forecast and what growers and their advisors can do to manage. We talk about
- Difference between maximum yield and maximum economic yield
- How to maximize fertilizer use efficiency
- Role of balanced nutrition
- Value of soil and tissue samples
- Focus on ALL of the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship not just the Right Rate
- Value of staying flexible and dynamic as the season rolls out
In modern farming we need to use synthetic fertilizers in order to grow enough food for our world's population. Are these fertilizers healthy of our soils or hurting our soils? Dr. Rob Mikkelsen, Yara North America's Director of Agronomic Services. Like any tool, we need to use these fertilizers properly. If we don't, we can harm the soil. However, if we implement the 4 Rs of nutrient stewardship to maximize our nutrient use and improve the soil health.
We mentioned a couple episodes regarding soil health with Dr. Karl Wyant:
- Don't Treat your Soil Like Dirt -Part 1
- Don't Treat you Soil Like Dirt - Part 2
Sulfur is a constituent of amino acids in plant proteins and is involved in energy-producing processes in plants. Sometimes a deficiency can be mistaken for Nitrogen deficiency. Dr. Rob Mikkelsen helps us understand how a plant uses sulfur and how to diagnose a deficiency. We also talk about the 4Rs of this nutrient to maximize its efficient use.
Find out more about specific crop deficiencies HERE
Find out more about Yara's solutions for sulfur, AMIDAS
Extremely dry conditions in 2021 at our Saskatoon, Canada incubator farm were looking grim for the research we were conducting. 15% of the average rainfall resulted in poor crop growth on the canola and wheat crops. But looking at some of the data, we found that the Yara complete nutritional treatments showed that the plants were actually able to use more of the water they did receive resulting in earlier root development and access to the stored water in soil deeper then the grower standard.
Delaine Mandziak, Yara Crop Manager, and Markus Braaten, Market Development Manager, join us to talk about the preliminary results.
Click HERE to see the initial report. You can get updates on the incubator field and other activities in Canada by subscribing the the Western Canada newsletter.
Dr. Rob Mikkelsen, Yara's Director of Agronomic Services, helps us understand the interdependence of water, soil and nutrients. Can a better management of these three components improve water use efficiency in a time of drought?
We refer to an article he wrote in September 2012 for the International Plant Nutrition Institute called, "What about Water?"
Dr. Mikkelsen explains that an important step towards improving water use efficiency is to encourage healthy plant roots. Maintaining proper soil conditions will allow a larger 'home' for the roots to grow and be healthy. Likewise, a balanced nutrition program can improve how the roots and plants use the available water.
Nitrogen is a very important nutrient for growing crops and can be one of the most expensive inputs. Using this valuable input efficiently can help with overall crop health and environmental sustainability. Dr. Rob Mikkelsen, Yara North America's Director of Agronomic Services, helps us understand
- The concept of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE)
- The difference between maximizing and optimizing NUE
- How to measure NUE
- Some practical measures that can be done to monitor NUE
- How an individual grower can improve their NUE
- The consequences of failing to improve NUE
There is a connection between microbiomes, soil health/structure, and drought resilience. Dr. Karl Wyant, VP of Ag Science at Heliae Agriculture helps us understand how to build healthier soils that can
- mitigate drought stress
- improve water holding capacity
- improve erosion resistance
- improve nutrient use
- sequester carbon
- reduce externalities
- improve profits
Find out more about soil health at the Soil Health Institute
Article on drought-resilient crop production
Dr. Wyant's previous episodes on soils:
- “Don’t Treat Your Soil Like Dirt” delt with the physical and chemical components of soil
- "Don't Treat Your Soil Like Dirt Part 2" delt with the biological components of soil
To learn more from Karl, email him at info@heliae.com or visit Phycoterra's web site
Everywhere you turn, you bump into talk about carbon market, carbon footprint, carbon credits, etc. What does all this mean and why is it important to us in agriculture?
Carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, event, organization, service, place or product, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent. Agriculture is responsible for 10% of the greenhouse gas emissions
Yara recently created the Agoro Carbon Alliance to take action on a global scale to reverse the effects of climate change by decarbonizing farming and restoring carbon to the world's soil.
In this episode, Anastasia Povlovic, Managing Director of the Agoro Carbon Alliance, explains what their group is doing, why it should matter and how you can learn more and participate as a grower and retailer.
The Pacific Northwest and many other areas are experiencing record high temperatures. How does heat stress and water stress affect plants? What can we do to manage these plants through these stressful times?
Jimmy Ridgeway and Kacey Kiehn, Regional Sales Managers, help us grow our knowledge.
Learn more from this recent article, "Heat Stress: Let Calcium Help"
Download and use Yara's Farm Water Advisor FREE! In less than 1 minute you can have your first field set up and calculating an optimal irrigation schedule for the next seven days based on hyperlocal weather and over 100 years of agronomic modeling. And it's FREE! Download it here
The days of limitless water are far behind us. Dr. Sebastian Braum joins Yara's Dr. Rob Mikkelsen to discuss how water is the number one driver of growth and yield. Dr. Braum talks about the improvement in the irrigation equipment being installed and that we now need to improve how we use this equipment. He also looks into his crystal ball of what farming might look like in 15-20 years.
Dr. Braum is the Director of Agronomy at Farm(x) and a soil scientist. He is experienced in nutrient management, irrigation and soil management.
Check out the Irrigation Association's resources and certifications.
Download and use Yara's Farm Water Advisor FREE! In less than 1 minute you can have your first field set up and calculating an optimal irrigation schedule for the next seven days based on hyperlocal weather and over 100 years of agronomic modeling. And it's FREE! Download it here
Dr. Tim Ellsworth is a professor at West Hills College in California. He has many years experience working as a soil scientist with the USDA and over 30 years of teaching experience in agriculture. He has expertise in soil science, geology and irrigation. Tim joins us to talk about how irrigation can improve plant health and yield, what effects the drought might have on crops and some golden nuggets that might be implemented if you are dealing with a deficit of water.
You can reach Tim at timothyellsworth@whccd.edu or by phone 559-934-2711.
If you are looking to learn more visit
- Cal Poly's ITRC - Short Courses and Classes
- Fresno State Center for Irrigation Technology
- UCANR's California Institute of Water Resources
- UCANR's Pistachio Short Course & Almond Short Course
- Irrigation Association's publications including, Irrigation- 6th ed.
Download and use Yara's Farm Water Advisor FREE! In less than 1 minute you can have your first field set up and calculating an optimal irrigation schedule for the next seven days based on hyperlocal weather and over 100 years of agronomic modeling. And it's FREE! Download it here
Soil structure and health is critical growers to improve crop productivity and sustainability. Dr. Karl Wyant, VP of Ag Science at Heliae Agriculture helps us understand the importance of soil health and quality in a two part series:
- Our first episode from Feb 23, 2021, “Don’t Treat Your Soil Like Dirt” delt with the physical and chemical components of soil
- This episode we talk about biological components
Karl shares five strategies that you may implement to improve your soil health which will lead to sustainable profitability.
We refer to Karl's articles in the Progressive Crop Consultant magazine,
- Part 1: "Managing Soil and Structure Quality"published in the January/February 2021
- Part 2: “Managing Soil and Structure Quality” published in May 2021
To learn more from Karl, email him at info@heliae.com or visit Phycoterra's web site
Download the FREE Farm Water Advisor to help improve your irrigation efficiency. Download it here
Richard Kreps and Robert Smith, UltraGro, both consult with growers in California but are also growers themselves. They help uncover some great strategies for the areas that are most affected by the drought and shortage of surface water delivered and ground water.
How are you creating your irrigation schedules this year? Yara's Farm Water Advisor calculates your field specific plant water use for the next week and then advises you how long and frequent to irrigate. And it's FREE! Download it here
Article on irrigation maintenance
2021 looks like it might be a continuation of one of the worst geographical droughts in the last 20 years. 80% of the Western U.S. in drought and nearly 1/2 in "extreme" or Exceptional" drought.
This series of episodes will be focused on the drought, the challenges and some strategies that might help advisors and grower manage through the drought. In this episode, William Bourdeau joins us to help us understand the severity of the drought in California. William is a grower (EVP at Harris Farms), director of Westlands Water District, and Chairman of the California Water Alliance.
How are you creating your irrigation schedules this year? Yara's Farm Water Advisor calculates your field specific plant water use for the next week and then advises you how long and frequent to irrigate. And it's FREE! Download it here
Links we mentioned:
- Film, "Pray For Rain"
- Film, "Beyond the Brink"
- California Water Alliance
- California Sun Newsletter
Climate change and weather are dynamic. How can we adjust our inputs, specifically irrigation and nutrition, to be more successful with these changes?
Our guest, Matt Yost develops land management practices that promote resiliency to weather variations and changing climate. Precise management of the 4 R practices and relationships with irrigation to improve soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and maintain profitability. Matt discusses the grant that he received from the 4R Research Fund and what they are trying to understand.
Matt Yost is an Assistant Professor and Agroclimate Extension Specialist at Utah State University.
What is the difference in total calcium, soluble calcium, and exchangeable calcium? All calcium sources need to be considered and know how it is behaving in the soil in order to get the plants to use it.
Dr. Jim Walworth, Professor of Soil Science Extension Specialist st the University of Arizona, joins Dr. Rob Mikkelsen, Yara Director of Agronomic Services to discuss these topics with a bonus conversation on pecans!
Spring flush for citrus is a critical growth stage. John Martzen, agronomist with GAR Bennett, joins Vanessa Dominguez (Vicencio) to talk about some of the nutritional concerns and strategies. Zinc and Manganese are important to maximize growth and fruit development during this time.
Read Vanessa's article we mentioned and sign up for the Citrus Newsletter HERE
To find out more go to Yara.us or YaraCanada.ca
Wouldn't it be nice if we could see how the roots of a plant respond to treatments? Dr. Isaac Madsen, Extension Agronomist at Washington State University, teaches us about the innovative work he as been doing with scanner technology and root observation.
- What is the advantage of looking at roots instead of at the shoots?
- What crops can we do this with?
- What do we learn from these observations?
- Are there other forms of nitrate-based fertilizers that eliminate the NH4-induced root damage?
- What is the interest in oil seed crops in the Pacific Northwest?
Check out Dr. Madsen's Youtube channel to see some of the scans!
Spring is here and our turf is transitioning out of dormancy, depending on where you live. What knowledge do turf managers need to make smart choices for feeding their turf as we go from winter to spring and then to summer? Our two guests, Dr. Brian Unruh and Dr. Marcos Schiavon compliment our own Turf & Ornamental Crop Manager, Neil Mayberry with some things to look out for and some golden nuggets for an amazing summer. They explain some of the key regional differences and key indicators for effective nutrition.
Links we talked about:
- Golf Course Superintendent's BMP manuals
- Dr. Unruh's TurfGator Website
- Yara's Optimum Turf website
- Yara Optimum Turf on Twitter
As wine grapes come out of winter dormancy and begin bud break, proper balanced nutrition is critical for quality and yield goals. Paul Crout, CCA/PCA, Product Manager/Agronomist, for Helena Agri-Enterprises teach us more about this important stage of the wine grape life cycle.
Wine grapes may be the highest value fruit crop in the US with nearly 1 million acres of grape-bearing land. Understanding a complete and balanced nutrition plan can help achieve the yield and quality goals of the vineyard.
Find out more about wine grapes HERE
For the last ten years, The Fertilizer Institute has designated five growers and their retailer as advocates of the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship. Each pair that are selected play a crucial role in showcasing the real-world economic and environmental benefits of implementing 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles.
Myron Johnson, with Double J Farms, a 4th generation farmer in Alabama and his retail advisor, Drew Schrimsher with GreenPoint Ag join Christy Hicks, Yara Sales Agronomist, to help us understand what they are doing to protect the environment and optimize profits.
4Rs Advocates Class of 2021
Videos of past 4R Advocates
Become an advocate
Learn more about Nutrient Stewardship
Soil structure and health is critical growers to improve crop productivity and sustainability. Dr. Karl Wyant, VP of Ag Science at Heliae Agriculture helps us understand the importance of soil health and quality. Our new Director of Agronomic Services, Dr. Rob Mikkelsen also joins to add insight to the discussion. In this part 1 discussion we are going to look at the physical and chemical connection to soil health. In Part 2, we will discuss the Biological component.
We refer to Karl's article in the Progressive Crop Consultant magazine, "Managing Soil and Structure Quality" published in the January/February edition.
Karl mentioned, "The Biology of Compaction" article from Ohio State
To learn more from Karl, email him at info@heliae.com or visit Phycoterra's web site.
2020 was a challenge for all of us but there were many silver linings and lessons learned. Tim Kreger, Executive Director of the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association, joins with Yara Sales Agronomists Brian Grill (#turfbeard) and Cole McNally to discuss the challenges that faced the Turf Grass industry and how our professional managers turned these into lemons.
Tim is also a co-host with Allen Knight of the popular Pullin' Weeds Podcast.
For more information about Yara's Optimum Turf Strategies, check out Yara.us or Yaracanada.ca
Part 2
Last week we discussed the importance of calcium and that you cannot rely on soil tests to identify difficiencies in Ca. This week we talk about how to make Ca an important part of your overall nutrition plan. We unfold the four R's of Nutrient Stewardship with Ca. If applied properly, your overall input costs can be reduced while improving quality and yield in a sustainable way.
Part 1 of 2:
Calcium levels that are shown on soil reports can mislead you to believe that you don't need supplemental applications. This could prove to short and long-term catastrophe. Join Dr. Steve Petrie and Devin Clarke as we discuss this major nutrient, its importance and how to know how much to supplement.
A good consistent agronomic plan is key to success with permanent crops. In this episode, we talk about citrus:
- What are the economic impacts to the US economy?
- What are some of the challenges with citrus today?
- What are some strategies that can improve sustainability and maximize on-farm profits
Learn more about Yara's Complete Citrus suggestions here.
Take a look at Yara's "Field Talk Friday" video series we mentioned.
We did a short podcast back in October about the discovery of synthetic fertilizer and mentioned the book, "The Alchemy of Air: A Jewish Genius, a Doomed Tycoon, and the Scientific Discovery That Fed the World but Fueled the Rise of Hitler". After the publication of that episode, we were introduced to the Author, Thomas Hager, who generously agreed to come on the podcast. Thomas recounts stories about two chemists, Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch, who together discovered a way to create synthetic fertilizer. He also expounds beyond the book to describe what was simultaneously happening in Norway at Norsk Hydro (later Yara).
This discovery is credited to providing sustainable food for over 1/2 the worlds population.
This is the final of three episodes dedicated to Yara's incubator farms in North America. Through collaborative efforts with customers, partners, and various technology providers, Yara plans to utilize these farms to study and advance insights into all aspects of the cropping system.
The Saskatoon incubator farm is 80-acres of row crops that feature Western Canada's cropping system including canola, wheat, barley, peas, lentils, etc. To find out more about the Saskatoon field click HERE
To find out more about the incubator farms click HERE.
This is the second of three episodes dedicated to Yara's incubator farms in North America. Through collaborative efforts with Auburn University, as well as customers, partners, and various technology providers, Yara plans to utilize these farms to study and advance insights into all aspects of the cropping system.
The Auburn incubator farm is a multi-acre plot of row crops including corn, cotton and soybeans on 80 acres. To find out more about the Auburn field click HERE
To find out more about the incubator farms click HERE.
In the next two episodes, we will introduce you to the three incubator farms that Yara is directing in North America. Through collaborative efforts with customers, partners, and various technology providers, Yara plans to utilize these farms to study and advance insights into all aspects of the cropping system.
Modesto, California is the site of nearly 80 acres of almonds and walnuts. Devin Clarke discusses what we are accomplishing in this multi-year, production scale farm.
To find out more about the incubator farms click HERE.
To find out more about the Modesto almond field click HERE
If you don't know who Norman Borlaug is, you are not alone BUT need to listen to this episode. Norman has been responsible for saving billions of lives based on his research and revolutionary breeding. Early on he was responsible for helping Mexico, India and Pakistan become self-sustaining in their wheat production during a time of possible famine! This is the 50th anniversary of Dr. Borlaug receiving the Nobel Prize for Peace. You will want to share this episode with your friends, family, customer, and colleagues.
Recently on October 13, we celebrated Global Fertilizer Day. Mineral fertilizer is the world's most life-saving innovation. How did this innovation evolve? Yara's Dr. Bill Easterwood, Dr. Trey Cutts, Markus Braaten tell this amazing story - one that began with a dire problem and solved through collaboration between many individuals and companies.
The Book, The Alchemy of Air, can be beneficial homework for you post podcast degree :-)
One of the key decisions a grower and advisor has to make is how to plan for the future and how resources can be most effectively used.
This year the nut industry is expected to have record crop yields. Almonds, for example, will be an all-time record. In contrast, the market price for almonds is looking to be near break-even rates. So what do we do?
Devin Clarke, Yara's Permanent Crop Manager, helps us understand the long-term consequences of short-term decisions.
If you would like to learn more about the MyAlmond program, please visit our MyAlmond web page.
Also check out the California incubator field and the videos that Devin mentions in the podcast HERE.
An avocado grower sees dramatic increases in his fruit set and quality when he switches from traditional forms of Nitrogen to Calcium Nitrate this year. Join Yara Regional Sales Manager, Patricia Dingus and Sales Agronomist, Eddie Muro and our retail partner Sunny Brucker PCA CCA, AgRx, as we discuss this 80-acre field trial.
Even if you don't grow avocados, there are some great golden nuggets that you might be able to transfer into your advising and growing.
Find out more about avocado nutrition, please check out this article at Yara.us
Dr. Steve Petrie talks about the different ways we can monitor our crops throughout the season. Each of these methods are valuable and the more you include, will likely help you understand more and use your crop inputs more precisely.
- Visual Inspection
- Tissue sample/analysis
- Soil & Water sample/analysis
- Digital tools and remote sensing
Just because water is wet, doesn't mean it is good for your soil or crop. Soil will take on the characteristics of the water that is applied. Water quality can play a critical role in fertilizer use efficiency.
Dr. Steve Petrie starts the discussion on water quality in this final of three parts of Agronomic Tips of the Week that will help us understand why we should be concerned about the quality of the water we are irrigating with and how we can mitigate some of common issues found in water.
Just because water is wet, doesn't mean it is good for your soil or crop. Soil will take on the characteristics of the water that is applied. Water quality can play a critical role in fertilizer use efficiency.
Dr. Steve Petrie starts the discussion on water quality in this part two of three Agronomic Tips of the Week that will help us understand why we should be concerned about the quality of the water we are irrigating with and how we can mitigate some of common issues found in water.
Just because water is wet, doesn't mean it is good for your soil or crop. Soil will take on the characteristics of the water that is applied. Water quality can play a critical role in fertilizer use efficiency.
Dr. Steve Petrie starts the discussion on water quality in this part one of three Agronomic Tips of the Week that will help us understand why we should be concerned about the quality of the water we are irrigating with and how we can mitigate some of common issues found in water.
In our first "grab bag" we call the Audio Magazine, we get
- Yara Sales Agronomists: Katelin Britton & Victor Lopez
- Yara Product Specialist: David Morgan
- Dr. Steve Petrie
to come to the table with topics that are top of mind and we discuss them. Topics include:
- Heat Stress on Vegetables
- The 4 Rs of financial success
- Lighter Walnuts are better tasting - how to grow them
- Choosing the right type of nitrogen
- Moving beyond reaching critical levels - striving for a standard of excellence.
As temperatures rise, our crops can succumb to stress that might have detrimental effects on our yields and quality this year and next year.
Permanent Crop Manager, Devin Clarke grows our knowledge with some nutritional strategies that can mitigate these stresses and keep us on track for successful harvests. Calcium in the right form, applied at the right time and rate can help our trees reduce the production of Reactive Oxygen Species that damage RNA, DNA, and proteins that are necessary for effective photosynthesis and carbohydrate formation. Properly applied Calcium can help indirectly with Potassium to develop guard cells that help plants transpire and cool themselves.
This is our continued discussion with David Chaffin, Digital Agronomist, and Dr. Steve Petrie from last week. Corn yields have improved over the past decades, but we still can achieve more. Dave helps us understand some of the biggest innovations that are on the horizon and how you can begin implementing them for higher yields and profits.
Yara's Market Development Managers, Dr. Trey Cutts and Markus Braaten help us understand how Sulfur and Nitrogen, working together, can increase crop growth potential and farm profitability.
- Plants use N & S together to build proteins and DNA to assure top yields
- N & S are needed in a balanced ratio, depending on the specific crop
- Excessive amounts of one means a deficiency of another
- How can we assure the correct blend ratio is distributed evenly throughout the field?
Yara Digital Agronomist and corn expert, David Chaffin, joins Dr. Steve Petrie to discuss the agronomics of corn. In the last 100 years our planted corn acres haven't changed much, but our yields have increased dramatically. In the first part of two podcasts, we talk about some of the things that attribute to the higher yields and the potential for continued improvement.
Last week we talked about some toxic elements. This week we dive into some essential nutrients that can also be toxic. We specifically talk about:
- B
- Cl
- Fe
- Mn
There are some toxic elements (non-essential elements that are toxic to crops)that are common in agricultural settings. The two that we will discuss in this episode are Aluminum and Sodium: how these effect the soil and plants.
As we continue to understand proper foliar nutrition, we should understand the RIGHT RATE and the RIGHT TIMING for these applications to have the desired results without damage to the plants. It is also good to know about some of the important additives that can increase the efficacy of these treatments.
Jimmy Ridgway joins Dr. Steve to help us grow our knowledge.
Foliar nutrition can complete a great nutrition program. Some advantages of using foliar applied nutrition with a base fertility program are: * Correct nutrient deficiencies as determined from soil or tissue tests * Strengthen damaged crops * Speeds up growth * Stimulate root uptake * Provide nutrient efficiency
Crops benefit in two manners by the foliar application of nutrients: * by the rapid influx into the plant of the foliar applied nutrients * by the increased uptake of the base applied nutrients
Learn more about Yara's foliar nutrition products HERE
Dr. Steve Petrie helps us understand what free lime in soil is and how it can effect some nutrient availability, which nutrients to worry about and some strategies when dealing with free lime.
To learn more:
Yara US
Yara Canada
Yara
What is Cation Exchange Capacity and why is that important when developing and executing a complete nutrition plan for you crop and field? Dr. Steve Petrie helps us understand what cations and anions are, how they attach to soil particles and why that is important to your fertility plan.
Here is a great video created by Learning Games Labs that simplify cation exchange process.
Dr. Steve Petrie helps us understand how soil pH can help improve nutrient uptake and overall crop health. He answers the following questions:
- What is pH and how do we measure it?
- Why does soil pH matter?
- Is there a best pH for my soil?
- Why is low or high pH bad?
- How do we correct adverse soil pH?
- Is there better forms of fertilizer that can be used to help correct adverse pH?
Shay Myers is the General Manager of Owyhee Produce, a third-generation family farm and one of the largest vertically-integrated produce farms in the Nation. Shay joins Brady Stover, Yara Sales Agronomist, and Scott Warr, Digital Farming, to discuss what it takes to be a family farm in today's society. He talks about the challenges they face with the current virus situation and how they plan to supply the demand of our country and continue the legacy of the family farm.
Shay is an evangelist for all farming and is helping our country to understand where and how their food is produced, packaged and shipped. Watch a recent video he created that talks about food safety in his production facilities. You can see Shay on his many social media channels:
- YouTube
Listen to our Sales Agronomists from Western Canada talk about how complete nutrition is important and doable.
Read their last Newsletter and subscribe HERE
Other links to topics discussed:
- Procote
- Flex
- YaraVita
Soils are the medium for plant growth. Soils have physical, chemical and biological properties that should be understood to maximize the genetic potential of the plants and optimize profitability and sustainability.
The physical characteristics we talk about are:
- Texture
- Structure
- Water Holding Capacity
Find out what soil you have using the NRCA's Soil Survey maps
Learn how to make a soil texture ribbon
Soils are the medium for plant growth. Soils have physical, chemical and biological properties that should be understood to maximize the genetic potential of the plants and optimize profitability and sustainability.
The physical characteristics we talk about are:
- Texture
- Structure
- Water Holding Capacity
Find out what soil you have using the NRCA's Soil Survey maps
Learn how to make a soil texture ribbon
What is the correct process to take a plant sample? We talk about how, when, where, what part of the plant and common mistakes that can be avoided. Plant analysis can be an effective way to understand many nutrients and the ratios of those nutrients. Many times these deficiencies can be detected before the plant shows visual signs. However there are some nutrient analysis that are not as reliable. Which ones are they? What is the best way to identify these deficiencies?
Join Trey Cutts, Crop Manager at Yara North America, and Dr. Bobby Golden, Associate Professor at Mississippi State University, as they delve into the intricacies of Nitrogen Management. With so much history and knowledge in using Nitrogen as a fertilizer, why are there so many questions out there about it’s management in agricultural production? From what nitrogen source to use, to rates and timings, and also newer technologies like NBPT and polymer coated Nitrogen, sometime a down to earth conversation is what’s needed to make sense of it all. Listen along to tap into the valuable insights and knowledge Dr. Golden has in this arena.
Dr. Steve Petrie discusses why we should add plant analysis to our tools for plant growth and financial optimization. Soil testing is a predictive tool, while tissue analysis is a monitoring tool that helps us understand what the plant is actually using throughout the season. Using each can help us understand the biology of the plant and should not be used exclusive of each other. In this first of two episodes on tissue analysis, we talk about the optimum timing and frequency of tissue analysis.
In the third of our three part series on soil samples, Dr. Steve Petrie talks about the interpretation of the lab results:
- How reliable is the database?
- How many trials are in the database?
- Are current varieties in the database?
- How is field variability addressed?
In the end there is no substitute for professional judgement and knowledge of field history.
Soil Samples are important to understand your nutrient balance in order to develop an effective nutrient management plan. This is the second of three podcasts that help us with soil samples.
In this podcast Dr. Steve Petrie teaches us about lab analysis:
- How do we select a lab?
- What should we know about the different analytical processes?
- What is the expected turn around time?
- What tests are available?
- What information should you ask for?
- What information should you expect to get back?
- Soil Samples are important to understand your nutrient balance in order to develop an effective nutrient management plan. In the next three podcasts we discuss how to collect a sample, Lab analysis and Interpretation of these results.
In the first of this series, Dr. Steve Petrie talks about the proper way to collect these samples.
+ When should we collect the samples?
+ How deep should we go?
+ How frequent should we collect samples?
+ How do we deal with field variability?
Cl rarely deficient in nature but it is essential in plant nutrition. It is found in the soil as anion and plays two roles in plant nutrition:
- Cl is integral to the process in which water is split, thus
releasing H+ ions and O2 gas - Cl is a mobile anion within the plant where is functions in
osmoregulation affecting cellular expansion and stomatal
opening and closing. It also functions as a counter-balance to cations to maintain charge neutrality.
Yara’s Turf and Ornamental Crop Manager, Neil Mayberry has a discussion with David Robinson, Senior Director of Golf and Grounds for Marriott International. David manages golf courses around the globe and sees a wide variety of turf, weather, and diseases. Weather patterns and diseases are ever changing and hard to predict and a superintendent needs to be dynamic in his/her management. David teaches us that it is important to continually grow your knowledge and be flexible in management styles to be successful. Some topics that he covers in this podcast:
- Transitioning from fall/winter to spring
- How they have completely rethought their nitrogen applications
- Relying on soil and tissue tests
- Timing nutrition applications on differing varieties and geographies
- Being careful not to over irrigate. This can lead to many other problems
- Best practices for spring transition from overseed
Nickel is the least understood micronutrients and rarely found deficient in most crops. Despite this, serpentine soils may have a much greater Ni concentrations and may be toxic. There are studies that show there can be deficiencies in pecans. Dr. Steve talks about Ni and how, like Molybdenum, it is essential in N metabolism.
Molybdenum is the only metallic micronutrient that is less available on low pH soils. Mo is essential for nitrogenases enzyme in N fixation by legumes and for nitrate reductase and for Pollen production.
Because Mo is associated with N, deficient plants may appear to be N deficient. Dr. Petrie talks teaches us which crops are sensitive to Mo deficiency, how to recognize it and how to treat it.
Manganese, Mn, is important to photosynthesis in plants and can have a dramatic impact on your yield and profitability. In this podcast, Dr. Steve Petrie discusses how Mn availability is driven by soil pH and organic mater, how to identify and diagnose deficiencies and toxicities and how to correct it for optimum plant growth and profits
Before we identified copper as an essential nutrient, we were using it as a natural fungicide. Copper is essential in reproductive systems in the plant. Copper deficiencies are not wide spread, but where there is a deficiency, it is hard to visually identify. Copper effects the reproductive growth but not vegetative growth, therefore the plant may show good healthy growth but actually have a copper deficiency. If you have pH higher than 7 and high organic content, it might be wise to experiment with some copper applications.
If you have a comment or suggestion, please leave one at our podcast web page.
If you want to learn more about Copper, please visit our web pages:
www.yara.us
www.yaracanada.ca
Our next micronutrient in the series is Iron (Fe). Sometimes agronomy is more art than science. Fe diagnosis and application is one nutrient where this is the case. Fe is key in the production of chlorophyll that helps our plants grow healthy and strong. Dr. Steve Petrie discusses how we can understand plant available iron in the soil and how to determine Fe deficiencies and how to implement Fe, via the 4 R's, in a balanced nutrition plan. He also explains how soil Ph level is critical for plant available iron.
Boron (B) is the first micronutrient that we will be discussing over the next weeks. It is critical to the growth and health of crops. It can be considered a "sister" nutrient to Ca because it is a component of plant cell walls and membranes. Dr. Steve explains that recent research has shown that B aids in Ca uptake and visa versa.
If you want to learn more about Boron please visit our web pages:
www.yara.us
www.yaracanada.ca
On our third and final ATW on calcium, we talk about physiological disorders that are common in plants and how calcium aids in reducing or eliminating these common problems. We also discuss how adequate levels of calcium may help plants fair better when the environment and weather are trying to stress them out.
To learn more about Calcium click HERE
We would love to hear your questions, feedback and suggestions HERE
Orchards can be an expensive investment. This podcast discusses tips and practices to increase your success and long-term profitability.
Our guests Tim Roos, Roos Tree Nursery, Tom Devol, Almond Board of California, and Yara's Peter DeBoer and Devin Clarke talk about the many variables and solutions that will help you establish your new orchard and maximize your profits.
Here are some useful links that we discussed during the podcast:
UCCE Young Orchard Manual
Almond Irrigation Improvement Continuum
California Almond Sustainability Program
This is part 2 of 3 of our discussion on Calcium. In this episode, we discuss the 4 Rs for Calcium, what are the right sources, application timings, how much to use and where to apply it.
To find out more click HERE
If you have a comment, question or suggestion please click HERE. We would love to hear from you.
Crop Manager, Markus Braaten, joins us at the end of the 2019 season to put our results in perspective. We have come a long way over the years and are optimistic that we will continue to improve our profitable yields in the future.
There are many variables in farming, some are controllable and some are not. Our plan at the beginning of the season needs to be flexible and changeable as the season unravels. There are some key principles to know and follow as we dynamically shift our plans to adjust for the season.
Although Calcium is considered a secondary nutrient, Dr Steve Petrie explains that it should be one of the most important nutrients to consider. Calcium is the 5th most common element in the earths crust and can be 2nd or 3rd most common element in plants. Despite its abundance, we need to know how much is plant available so that the plant can take advantage of this important nutrient.
To learn more, please click here
Dr. Steve Petrie discusses the 4 R's of Potassium:
- What is the Right Sources of K
- What is the Right Rate of K
- What is the Right Timing of K application
- What is the Right Placement of K
If you have a comment, question or suggestion please click HERE. We would love to hear from you.
Dr. Steve Petrie helps us understand what potassium is, what it's roll is in crop biology, and how to test for potassium.
If you have a comment, question or suggestion please click HERE. We would love to hear from you.
Last week Dr. Steve Petrie taught us why Phosphorus is so important for plant health and production. This week we dive in deeper to understand the 4 R's for Phosphorus:
- What is the Right Rate?
- What are the Right Sources?
- What is the Right Placement
- What is the Right Timing
If you have a comment, question or suggestion please click HERE. We would love to hear from you.
Phosphorus is a macronutrient that is responsible for energy transfer in the plant. We discuss why we should worry about P, the different forms of P and how it interacts with the other nutrients attributes to overall plant health and productivity. Next week we will dive into the 4 R's for Phosphorus.
If you have a comment, question or suggestion please click HERE. We would love to hear from you.
In part 2 of Soil pH, Dr. Steve Petrie talks about how pH affects the biology and chemistry in the soil, canning tomatoes, and how to change the soil pH to maximize soil health and productivity
Soil pH is a fundamental characteristic of soil. It should be the first factor to be considered when learning about a soil. In this first of two podcasts on soil pH, Dr. Steve Petrie discusses what pH is, how it is measured, why it is important to healthy soils.
This is part 4 of 4 where Dr. Steve discusses the four R's of Nutrient Stewardship.
In this episode he will be discussing the final “R” of the Four R’s in Nutrient Stewardship: The Right TIMING of application
Once you know the right RATE, right SOURCE, and right PLACEMENT of fertilizer, you need to know WHEN to apply the treatment to maximize the crops use efficiency.
There are many reasons to optimize your irrigation:
- Increase nutrient uptake efficiency
- Control Pest, Fungi, and diseases
- Improve plant health and productivity
- Reduce nutrient leaching
- Environmental sustainability
- Conserve water
- Reduce pumping costs
We discuss
- some of the common methods used to determine irrigation frequency and duration.
- Evapotranspiration and crop water demand
- Weather variability and importance of Hyper-Local weather
We introduce Yara's Farm Water Advisor, a simple, easy to use mobile application that delivers precise crop water demand forecasts and irrigation recommendation that are precise for YOUR crop, YOUR field, and YOUR cultural practices.
Learn more and download the Ap at www.FarmWaterAdvisor.com or download at the Apple Ap Store or Google Play Store.
If you have comments, questions, or suggestions, please contact
Scott.warr@yara.com. 916-390-2999
or hello@farmwateradvisor.com
This is part 3 of 4 where Dr. Steve discusses the four R's of Nutrient Stewardship.
In this episode he will be discussing the third “R” of the Four R’s in Nutrient Stewardship: Using the Right Placement of nutrients.
Once you know the right RATE and right SOURCE of fertilizer, you need to apply the nutrients in the right place to maximize the uptake to the plant.
This is part 2 of 4 where Dr. Steve discusses the four R's of Nutrient Stewardship.
In this episode he will be discussing the second “R” of the Four R’s in Nutrient Stewardship: Using the Right Source/form of Nitrogen.
Some may believe that it doesn’t really matter what form of N you use; that all forms are essentially the same. But this is not true. Dr. Steve talks about the different forms, focusing on the Nitrate form and the many advantages of Nitrate N.
Right Rate
Four R’s of Nutrient Stewardship is a framework that can be used to increase productivity, better utilize a nutrition plan, increase profitability and improve environmental sustainability.
- Right Rate of application
- Right source of fertilizer
- Right place
- Right time
In the next four podcasts, we will be discussing each of these separately. Today we begin with the Right Rate. We will be using Nitrogen as our base example.
He will help you understand how much N to apply depending on your yield expectations, environmental factors and efficiencies.
In this podcast we take a deep dive on ultradwarf bermudagrass greens management with Stephen Miles, Director of Operations at the Preserve Golf Club and Dr. Beth Guertal, Professor of turfgrass management at Auburn University.
- Weather extremes and the effect it has on managing high quality surfaces
- Topdressing and verticutting strategies
- A proper cultivation plan is critical for providing great greens, especially implementing aerification
- Customer expectations and the misperception of ball speed
- Fall preparation and winter management strategies
- Determining when to fertilize during less than optimal growing conditions
- Light requirements
- A take on where the future of golf course management heading
Yara’s Nut Tree Crop Manager, Devin Clarke, andTom Devol, newly crowned Senior Manager of Outreach and Education for the Almond Board of California talk about the critical post-harvest nutrition and irrigation strategies that will set you up for a successful 2020 season.
Resources:
- Yara’s MyAlmonds
- Yara’s Farm Water Advisor
- Almond Board’s Irrigation Improvement Continuum
- Almond Board’s Sustainable Almond Growing
- UNANR’s Almond Production Manual
- The Almond Doctor
Dr. Steve’s Agronomic Tip of the Week is about the three factors that determine crop yield: The GEM factors:
- Genetics
- Environment
- Management
We discuss these three factors and how to increase the capabilities of each. We also discuss 2 main management components:
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Nutrient Management – specifically the Four R’s
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Right nutrient rate
- Right nutrient source
- Right nutrient application timing
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Right nutrient placing
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Irrigation – the right frequency and duration for the plant need
When it comes to the most effective nutrition plan, Liebig's Law of the Minimum states that yield is proportional to the amount of the most limiting nutrient, whichever nutrient it may be. From this, it may be inferred that if the deficient nutrient is supplied, yields may be improved to the point that some other nutrient is needed in greater quantity.
Director of Agronomic Services at Yara, Dr. Steve Petrie, discusses this law of minimum as we begin a weekly series of agronomic tips that will be published each Tuesday.
For more information go to Jimmy's recent ARTICLE
Also learn how Yara's Megalab can help you with your nutritional decisions.
Yara Crop Managers Jimmy Ridgeway and Markus Braaten discuss the opportunities for growers and advisors using tissues to refine fertility programs. Topics addressed include;
- Currently level of tissue test adoption
- Key learning from petiole testing in potatoes
- Using tissue tests in conjunction with soil test
Recommendation for incorporating tissues testing in broad acre crops
Farmer’s freedom to use fertilizer is being challenged. The 4R Practice results in increased yield and maximum nutrient utilization and protects against the treat of mandatory rate reductions.
Grower Benefits
- Economic Benefits, increased profitability
- Environmental Sustainability – not abusing the soil
- Optimum nutrient efficiency
To find out more, please click HERE
Optimum Turf Crop Manager, Neil Mayberry, assembles an all-star team of turf experts to break down why homogeneous fertilizers may play an integral part in your turf nutrition plan. Some things todays turf managers have to balance is cost versus return and effectiveness of the products
Listen in as James Huntoon, David McGhee and Brian Grill help us understand homogeneous fertilizers
Guests
- James Huntoon, Golf Course Superintendent at The Heritage Club in Pawley’s Island, SC
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David McGhee with Helena
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Brian Grill, T & O Sales Agronomist with Yara (Legendary Turf Beard)
Yara OptimumTurf https://www.yara.us/crop-nutrition/turf/
Dr. Unruh, Professor and Center Director at University of Florida at Jay, FL discusses his concerns in the turfgrass industry and why BMPs are important for successful turf
Industry Concerns:
- Labor/decreasing budgets
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Competition from other companies
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Innovative ways of doing things
- Enrollment into turf programs
- Online vs face-to-face programs
- Lack of Assistant Superintendents
BMPs
- Why are BMPs important?
- How do they vary from state to state
- How has establishing BMPs helped the superintendent or turfgrass manager
- How important do you think it is for each individual facility to have their own set of BMPs plan
Devin Clarke, Yara’s Tree Nut Crop Manager, talks with the Almond Board of California’s Spencer Cooper about Deficit Irrigation on Almonds
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How has this year’s weather been a challenge for almond growers?
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What is strategic deficit irrigation; how and why should it be used?
- How can I know when to start irrigating?
- When can we reduce irrigation without affecting the crop?
- How to use ETo and ETc to schedule irrigation?
-
How to determine tree stress using a pressure chamber?
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Where can a grower find baseline pressure readings?
- How can growers with limited irrigation flexibility manager water better?
- What impact does post-harvest irrigation have on next year’s crop?
- The Almond Board’s 2025 goals
Helpful resource links:
- http://thealmonddoctor.com/2012/08/05/irrigating-from-hull-split-to-harvest/
- almonds.com/irrigation
- http://thealmonddoctor.com/2018/06/15/irrigating-summer-considerations-deficit-irrigation/