Yara's Crop Nutrition podcast

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 [email protected] 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 LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram

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.