UMN Extension Nutrient Management

Soil testing can be a valuable tool, but getting the most from it starts with understanding what you’re measuring and how to interpret the results.

In this episode of The Dirt PodKast, University of Minnesota soil scientists Dr. Carl Rosen and Dr. Daniel Kaiser separate fact from fiction when it comes to soil testing. They discuss common soil test myths, what soil tests can and can’t tell you, the science behind common soil testing methods and why research-backed calibration matters.

They also share practical recommendations for collecting the right samples, choosing the right test and interpreting results to support better nutrient management decisions.

Episode 23: Soil Testing Myths And Sampling Tips Explore common soil testing myths, the science behind soil test methods and tips for interpreting soil test results on The Dirt PodKast.

"There's differences between species. Poultry need calcium for strong eggs, so a lot of calcium comes out of the back end of the bird. A lot more K comes out of hogs than for instance, dairy. And then if you add bedding, that adds organic matter."

Manure under a microscope: What variables affect nutrient value? (hint: they all do) Photo credit: University of Minnesota Extension Today on Advancing Nitrogen Smart we ask an unusual question: What is manure, really? We al...

Designed for farmers, agricultural drainage contractors, local government unit (LGU) staff, commissioners, SWCD staff, and drainage engineers. Learn the basics of drainage design, installation technologies and layout options, discover planning software and more!

Attend the Minnesota Drainage Program workshop at Farmamerica, Aug. 13th 2026 Register today for one or both sessions of the Minnesota Drainage Program at Farmamerica, August 13th in Waseca, MN. z.umn.edu/MDPFarmameri...

The project is designed to identify nitrogen rates that deliver the highest yields without increasing the risk of lodging.

Research underway to update oat nitrogen recommendations in Minnesota Research underway to update oat nitrogen recommendations in Minnesota

Due to some of the recent heavy rains and saturated soil conditions, there was some concern with the potential for denitrification and nitrogen loss in several counties in southeast Minnesota.

Rest assured, with the adequate soil moisture and warm temperatures, our soils with 2.5% or greater organic matter have great potential for mineralization and release of nitrogen, making up for any losses from saturated soil conditions.

Stresses during corn reproductive stages, late season nitrogen management considerations, and corn disease considerations By: Ryan Miller, University of Minnesota Extension Educator - Crops, Jeff Coulter, University of Minnesota Extension Corn Agronomist, Brad C...

A YouTube video claims a University of Minnesota research team ran a six-season trial and found one three-species cover crop mix that outperformed every other combination by 210%.

The only problem? The study does not exist.

Fake AI video invents University of Minnesota cover crop research University of Minnesota Extension educators said the video is artificial intelligence "slop" — fabricated content built to draw clicks and advertising revenue.

"If you look at the growth stage - for most crops - it's usually the later on we are, the less impacted we should be particularly with denitrification. That's mainly if you look at the uptake of nitrate out of the soil from the fertilizer you apply." -Dan Kaiser, Ext

Heavy June rain & nutrient management: 3 Minnesota experts weigh in Photo: University of Minnesota Extension We're examining the effect of recent heavy rainfall on input decision-making in today's Nutrient M...

What if better manure data could help farmers save money and improve environmental stewardship?

Extension Soil Scientist Melissa Wilson is leading nationally recognized research to help farmers better understand the nutrient value of manure. “I cannot say that growing up, I thought I would be a manure specialist,” Wilson says. “But I’m known as the Manure Prof at the University of Minnesota, and I have the number 1 research program in number 2.”

Her team's online database ManureDB includes more than 490,000 samples from across the U.S., giving producers better tools to make informed management decisions. Read the full story: z.umn.edu/befl