Brad and Jeff continue their discussion about variable rate nitrogen technology by zeroing in on the pre-sidedress nitrate test (PSNT). What are key differences between the PSNT and the pre-plant nitrate test (PPNT)? What growth stage should the crop reach before taking a PSNT? How have sampling and storage procedures evolved from past years? How variable can samples actually be within the same zone and between zones? What should farmers watch out for when interpreting test results? Do different methods of N application produce different PSNT results? How about timing? Manure? What's N's 'critical value' in Minnesota? All these answers and more in-depth discussion on today's episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart Podcast.

Guests:

• Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)
• Jeff Vetsch, Lead researcher, Southern Research and Outreach Center (Waseca)

Additional resources:

• What’s the right PSNT number? New research refines the critical threshold for corn nitrogen decisions in Minnesota
• Video: 6 takeaways on the pre-sidedress nitrate test
• Tips for Accurate Pre-Sidedress Nitrate Tests
• Split-applying nitrogen for corn: Three keys for successful sidedress applications
• Understanding nitrogen in soils

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For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast. And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on X (formerly twitter), and visit our website.

If you have questions or comments, please email us at nutmgmt@umn.edu.

Advancing Nitrogen Smart is proud to be supported by the farm families of Minnesota and their corn check-off investment through Minnesota Corn.

Early April means it's time for the Spring Fertilizer Outlook here on the Nutrient Management Podcast. Our panel of four specialists and researchers begin by discussing current field conditions throughout Minnesota. World events affecting farmers and other ag professionals are top-of-mind right now. How is price volatility impacting input planning - or is it? Should farmers consider changes to their management plans, and /or potentially cut back on specific inputs? If so, which ones and why? Does soil testing become more important during times when other costs are high? As our panelists talk with farmers across Minnesota, what silver linings and bright spots have they noticed in today's ag environment, and why is it important to keep these in mind? All this and much more on today's episode.

Guests:

• Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)
• Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)
• Jeff Vetsch, Lead SROC researcher (Waseca)
• Lindsay Pease, Extension nutrient and water management specialist (Crookston)

Additional Resources:

• cornnratecalc.org (MRTN rate calculator)
• Are you overspending on fertilizer?
• Drought conditions overview
• Phosphorus: Rate guidelines, sources & best practices for Minnesota, Midwest farmers
• Do biostimulant seed treatments boost soybean yields? New study across 103 locations in 22 states says no
• Nutrient management

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For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast. And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on X (formerly twitter), and visit our website.

If you have questions or comments, please email us at nutmgmt@umn.edu.

Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com.

Brad Carlson and Jeff Vetsch talk about variable rate sensors on today's Advancing Nitrogen Smart Podcast episode. What is meant by the term 'active sensors' and what data do active sensors capture? Which specific brands of sensors have the Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC) researched, and how did they perform? What stage does corn need to reach before sensors can best contribute to variable rate decision making? How do other field variables like soil texture or irrigation systems contribute (or not) to variable rate sensing? Join us today for part one of a two-part discussion on variable rate technology with Brad and Jeff.

Guests:

• Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)
• Jeff Vetsch, Lead researcher at the Southern Research and Outreach Center (Waseca)

Additional Resources:

• 5 Things to consider for sensor-based nitrogen management
• Variable rate nitrogen and nitrogen advisory tools: Do they work?
• Variable rate technology: How should farmers evaluate outcomes?
• Things to consider when sidedressing nitrogen
• Nitrogen smart
• Nitrogen

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For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast. And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on X (formerly twitter), and visit our website.

If you have questions or comments, please email us at nutmgmt@umn.edu.

Advancing Nitrogen Smart is proud to be supported by the farm families of Minnesota and their corn check-off investment through Minnesota Corn.