The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast

Episode 81 | The Role of the Soil Microbiome in Reducing Nutrient Loss

In this episode of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, host Todd Gleason discusses the vital role of the soil microbiome in nutrient management with Lizzie French and Mick Goedeken from Waypoint Analytical. The soil microbiome is described as a vast ecosystem of microscopic organisms—including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and nematodes—that are essential for nutrient cycling, residue breakdown, and the maintenance of soil structure. French emphasizes that soil health depends on a combination of physical structure, chemical balance, and biological activity, noting that Waypoint Analytical now uses DNA analysis to identify specific microbial functions, such as nitrogen fixation and phosphorus solubilization. Mick Goedeken highlights that understanding the soil biome allows producers to manage fields more efficiently, particularly by optimizing nitrogen application and addressing issues like compaction, which negatively impacts microbial health. Both experts advocate for conservation practices, such as reduced tillage and cover cropping, to support these microbial communities. Additionally, they stress that soil pH is a foundational driver for both biological activity and chemical efficiency, serving as a critical prerequisite for successful soil health management. Ultimately, the guests suggest that farmers have always been "farming" their microbes and encourage using these insights to make more informed, site-specific decisions to improve agricultural efficiency. Lizzie French Soil Biology Manager Waypoint Analytical, Inc.   Mick Goedeken Regional Agronomist Waypoint Analytical

Episode 80 | Dust Storms, Starter Fertilizer, and Conservation Tillage

In episode 80 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, University of Illinois Assistant Professor and Extension agronomist Giovani Preza Fontes shares results from a research project evaluating soybean performance across different tillage systems and fertilizer strategies.  The study [https://farmdoc.illinois.edu/field-crop-production/evaluating-soybean-performance-in-conservation-systems-project-report.html]was initiated following recent dust storm events in Illinois and across the Midwest, including the tragic 2023 event near Springfield. The conversation explores how conservation practices like reduced tillage and cover crops influence soil retention, crop performance, and farm profitability.  Explore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry, Nicole Haverback, and Luke Zwilling. * Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog [http://extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog]   *  Subscribe for updates  [https://groups.webservices.illinois.edu/subscribe/153184] Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss [http://go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss]

Episode 79 | Why You Should Use the N-Rate Calculator

In Episode 79 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, University of Illinois soil fertility specialist John Jones, agricultural economist Gary Schnitkey, and Illinois Corn Growers Association water quality specialist Laura Gentry share highlights from a live panel discussion recorded during the December Farm Assets Conference. The panel focuses on nitrogen rate decisions, how the Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator works, and why maximizing profit, not yield, should guide fertilizer management. They also discuss how nitrogen rates influence nutrient loss and what farm-level data shows about applications above the economic optimum. Explore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry, Nicole Haverback, and Luke Zwilling. * Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog [http://extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog]   *  Subscribe for updates  [https://groups.webservices.illinois.edu/subscribe/153184] Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss [http://go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss]

Episode 78 | 35 Years of USDA Wetland Restoration

In Episode 78 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, University of Illinois agricultural economist Marin Skidmore discusses her study reviewing 35 years of USDA wetland restoration. She explains how these restorations reduce nitrogen concentrations in surface water, the data used to evaluate their effectiveness, and the cost-saving implications for rural communities that rely on surface water for drinking supplies. She also describes how wetlands fit into broader conservation efforts and what long-term benefits they may provide. Explore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry, Nicole Haverback, and Luke Zwilling. * Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog [http://extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog]   *  Subscribe for updates  [https://groups.webservices.illinois.edu/subscribe/153184] Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss [http://go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss]

Episode 77 | Batch and Grow with Farmer-Led Advances in Soil Health (FLASH)

Farmers often learn best from one another, and the Farmer-Led Advances in Soil Health (FLASH) program helps make those connections possible. In Episode 77, Morgan Cauble from AFT, Malina Przygoda from the Coles County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Bobby Orman, a Coles County farmer, discuss the FLASH program and its Batch and Grow cover crop initiative.  Explore efforts to reduce nutrients in Illinois waterways from agricultural runoff to municipal wastewater with host Todd Gleason and producers Rachel Curry, Nicole Haverback, and Luke Zwilling. ·       Read the blog at extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog [http://extension.illinois.edu/nlr/blog]   ·       Subscribe for updates  [https://groups.webservices.illinois.edu/subscribe/153184] ·       Explore more about nutrient loss in Illinois at go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss [http://go.illinois.edu/nutrientloss]