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 plan
• Nitrogen availability of different manure types: What we know and what we are researching
• Manure use benefits and barriers: Insights from a survey of farmers and advisors
• Introducing ManureDB: A new way to view manure variability and trends
• Guidelines for manure application rates

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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.

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 Monitor
• Field 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 fertility
• Fertilizing corn in Minnesota

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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 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.

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 Crops
• Best management for cover crops in unfavorable weather patterns
• Growing cover crops in Minnesota: 4 great resources to get you started
• Video: Can cover crops reduce nitrate loss in tile drainage?
• Midwest Cover Crops Council (Minnesota)
• Strategic Farming: Let's talk cover crops!

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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.