Yara's Crop Nutrition podcast

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. 

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.