Afleveringen
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 LinkConnect with Us:
We love hearing from our listeners! Share your feedback, questions, or suggestions with us on our social media channels or HERE
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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"
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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 BorlaugHere is a beautiful photo of the potash evaporation ponds near Moab, Utah
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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 issuesChapters
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 conditionsTo 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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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