2026 Fall fertilizer outlook: Crop results, current input prices & future options

How do soil health practices—such as minimizing disturbance, maintaining ground cover, and promoting biological activity—interact with the 4Rs of nitrogen management to reduce runoff and nitrate leaching into water sources? How does nitrogen release (mineralize) or become tied up (immobilize) in residue depending on soil moisture, temperature, and microbial activity? Are biological soil tests (like the Haney test and Solvita CO₂ burst) precise tools for calculating exact fertilizer rates, or should they be considered general risk indexes? What role do strong soil structure and expansive root systems play in maximizing nitrogen uptake? Brad Carlson, Anna Cates and Dan Kaiser discuss this and much more on the 41st episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart podcast. Guests:Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)Dan Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Anna Cates, state soil health specialist (St. Paul)Additional resources:Soil health and water quality: How are they connected?The connection between soil organic matter and soil waterThe state of Minnesota's soil health: How many farmers are doing no-till, cover crops, and moreNitrogen SmartMinnesota Office for Soil Health - MOSH---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 [email protected] Nitrogen Smart is proud to be supported by the farm families of Minnesota and their corn check-off investment through Minnesota Corn.

August is in full swing, which means it's time for the Fall Fertilizer Outlook on the Nutrient Management Podcast. Our panelists recently returned from Minnesota's annual Farm Fest where they heard directly from farmers. How did crops do during the 2026 field season? What are current fertilizer prices, and are there alternative options that farmers might want to consider? What kind of planning tools might be useful for MN growers as we head into fall? Which fertilizer decisions might be postponed until spring? All of this plus more on the Nutrient Management Podcast.Guests:Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Jeff Vetsch, Lead researcher, Southern Research and Outreach Center (Waseca)Additional Resources:Corn Nitrogen Rate CalculatorU of M Corn Fertilizer GuidelinesWhy understanding the “price ratio” is key to picking a profitable nitrogen fertilizer rate for corn (2025 blog post)Updated corn nitrogen rates: What are we currently seeing for N fertilizer requirements in Minnesota? (2025 blog post)Making sense of Minnesota’s corn fertilizer guidelines: Frequently asked questions and answers (2023 blog post)---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 [email protected] 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.

The benefits and challenges of manure use in general is the topic on this 40th episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart podcast series. What is it about manure that makes it good for the soil - and what makes livestock bedding an important addition? What's in manure that's organic but isn't living? What makes the benefits of manure usage long-term in nature? How should people think about manure use related to water quality issues? What kinds of tech might farmers want to be on the lookout for which affect manure use efficiency? According to panelist Melissa Wilson, manure is like a multivitamin for the soil. Find out why she thinks so on today show.Guests:Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)Melissa Wilson, Extension manure nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Additional Resources:Manure managementHow to put together a manure management planNitrogen availability of different manure types: What we know, and what we are researchingManure use benefits and barriers: Insights from a survey of farmers and advisorsTips for fall manure application and how to avoid nutrient loss---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 [email protected] Nitrogen Smart is proud to be supported by the farm families of Minnesota and their corn check-off investment through Minnesota Corn.

Today on Advancing Nitrogen Smart we ask an unusual question: What is manure, really? We all know manure is made of the liquids and solids that pass through an animal's digestive system, but what has to happen for manure to become usable? Is all manure created equal, or do differences in animal type - and their feed - result in manure with variable nutrient values? How do factors like handling, storage and animal bedding impact available nutrients in manure? What are some of the long-term benefits of manure application? Is there an optimal time of year to apply manure? Brad Carlson and Melissa Wilson answer these questions and many more on this 39th episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart podcast.Guests:Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)Melissa Wilson, Extension manure nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Additional Resources:How to put together a manure management planNitrogen availability of different manure types: What we know and what we are researchingManure use benefits and barriers: Insights from a survey of farmers and advisorsIntroducing ManureDB: A new way to view manure variability and trendsGuidelines for manure application rates---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 [email protected] Nitrogen Smart is proud to be supported by the farm families of Minnesota and their corn check-off investment through Minnesota Corn.

We're examining the effect of recent heavy rainfall on input decision-making in today's Nutrient Management Podcast. What adverse or severe weather conditions did parts of Minnesota recently experience? How does it compare to past events? It's currently mid-July; what did the Minnesota Drought Monitor say about our drought levels before the rainfall? Was the soil profile able to accept more water as a result? What effect did the heavy rain have on nutrients in the field? At this point in the season, are corn crops past the risk of damage? What effect do soil types have on both the amount of N recommended, and the speed at which the N can potentially leave the field? All this and more on today's episode.Guests:Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Jeff Vetsch, U of M researcher (Waseca)Additional Resources:Minnesota Drought MonitorField Notes talks about what to expect after heavy June rains (recorded 2025)Did applying supplemental nitrogen fertilizer to corn in south-central Minnesota pay?Why understanding the nitrogen cycle is key to managing soil fertilityFertilizing corn in Minnesota—Listen to all Nutrient Management Podcast episodes.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 [email protected] 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.

Nitrate reduction with perennial plants is the topic on today's Advancing Nitrogen Smart podcast. What are some pros and cons of covers like rye, oat and alfalfa for reducing nitrate? How do they compare in terms of biomass or establishment? What sets alfalfa apart as a cover crop candidate? How does our Minnesota climate affect a strategy for perennials? How could cover crop benefits stack up when used in conjunction with a dairy operation for example? Do some areas of the landscape benefit from perennials more than others? All this and more on the 38th episode of Advancing Nitrogen Smart.Guests:Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)Dan Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Additional resources:Cover CropsBest management for cover crops in unfavorable weather patternsGrowing cover crops in Minnesota: 4 great resources to get you startedVideo: Can cover crops reduce nitrate loss in tile drainage?Midwest Cover Crops Council (Minnesota)Strategic Farming: Let's talk cover crops!---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 [email protected] Nitrogen Smart is proud to be supported by the farm families of Minnesota and their corn check-off investment through Minnesota Corn.

Irrigation is the topic of discussion of today's episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast. What are current irrigation conditions in Minnesota? How is the aquifer in the Central Sands region recharged, and why is it so important to manage nutrients efficiently when irrigating? What new irrigation and nutrient management research is being conducted by the University of Minnesota? What are some of the benefits and risks associated with irrigation - and what practices might a farmer want to focus on first? What partnerships and financial resources are available for Minnesota farmers interested in adopting irrigation practices? Are there smaller practices that a grower new to irrigation might want to consider? What have farmers reported back to our panelists after having adopted irrigation practices? What are irrigation practices like throughout the rest of the country, and how does Minnesota differ? All this and more on today's show.GuestsVasu Sharma, Extension irrigation specialist, Dept. of Soil, Water, and Climate (St. Paul)Carl Rosen, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Tim Gieseke, Extension educator, Ag Water Management (Mankato)Additional ResourcesRegional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)National Resources Conservation Service - MinnesotaMinnesota Soil and Water Conservation DistrictsResearch shows precision irrigation technology can improve irrigation water productivity in cornIrrigation ManagementNutrient management for irrigated crops in MN: Corn, potatoes, & edible beans---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 [email protected] 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 Dan Kaiser discuss sidedressing in today's Advancing Nitrogen Smart Podcast episode. What's the big-picture rationale behind sidedressing? How can sidedressing or split-applying be beneficial in terms of avoiding nitrogen loss? Since nitrogen uptake isn't linear, what growth stages coincide with peak daily demand on the crop? Are there any significant risks in starting a sidedress application early in the season? What have past experiments shown regarding positive and / or negative responses to sidedressing? How should inhibitors be used with sidedress / topdress? What should farmers know about soil types and tile drainage when making sidedress decisions? This and much more on the 37th episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart podcast series.Guests:Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)Dan Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Additional resources:Things to consider when sidedressing nitrogenSplit-applying nitrogen for corn: Three keys for successful sidedress applications (YouTube)What's the right PSNT number? New research refines the critical threshold for corn nitrogen decisions in MinnesotaAre split applications of nitrogen fertilizer in Minnesota worth it?Supplemental nitrogen fertilizer: Is it time to pull the trigger?--- 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 [email protected] Nitrogen Smart is proud to be supported by the farm families of Minnesota and their corn check-off investment through Minnesota Corn.

Minnesota is the nation's top producer of sugarbeets by acreage. Today we're discussing sugarbeet nutrient management on the Nutrient Management Podcast. What are the fertilizer guidelines for sugarbeets right now, and how are they revised? What sugarbeet research studies are currently underway at the University of Minnesota? Are there any considerations when fertilizing sugarbeets with manure? What should farmers know about micronutrients, or about timing? What makes sugarbeets such effective nitrogen scavengers? All this and more on today's episode.Guests:Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Melissa Wilson, Extension manure nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)John Lamb, Professor Emeritus in Department of Soil, Water and Climate (St. Paul)Additional resources:Sugarbeet fertilizer guidelinesNew sugarbeet fertilizer guidelines for Minnesota: What to know about nitrogen and micronutrient managementManureDBUnharvested sugarbeets in your fields this spring? Here are some nutrient management considerationsTissue sampling tips for corn, soybean, sugarbeet and wheatUrea and sugarbeet stand loss: Should growers change how they manage nitrogen?—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 [email protected] 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.

We’re talking all about nitrate management and placement as important factors for reducing nitrogen loss to water on today's episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart Podcast series. Different forms of nitrogen have their own potential for loss. How does nitrogen already in the nitrate form differ from ammonium for example? How does basic soil science slow down or speed up nitrogen transformation? Why can't nitrates be easily stabilized in the fall in Minnesota? How do other factors like pH affect nitrogen transformation? This and much more in today's discussion. Guests:Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)Dan Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Additional resources:Nitrogen placement: What MN farmers should know about depth, incorporation, loss pathways, and moreHow 4R Nutrient Stewardship can help Minnesota farmersFour things I’ve learned about nitrogen management for corn based on a decade of research in MinnesotaSix observations from six years of tile sampling for nitrates in southeast MinnesotaNitrogen BMPs and nitrate water quality issues in southeast Minnesota: What should growers be thinking about?--- 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 [email protected] Nitrogen Smart is proud to be supported by the farm families of Minnesota and their corn check-off investment through Minnesota Corn.