The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast

Episode 82 | Cover Crop Conversations: cultural and mindset shifts

Despite being the only in-field practice that efficiently reduces both nitrogen and phosphorus, cover crops are currently used on just 6% of Illinois cropland. To encourage wider adoption, the University of Illinois Extension launched the FLASH (Farmer-Led Advances for Soil Health) program, which incentivizes localized farmer-to-farmer networking to foster cultural and mindset shifts. During a recent panel, three Illinois farmers shared their distinct journeys toward embracing these conservation methods. Brent Fowler highlighted the challenge of overcoming institutional family resistance, explaining how an accidental equipment mix-up led to successful no-till testing that ultimately proved profitable and effective at preventing soil erosion. Adam Dahmer emphasized that while accessing information and equipment was difficult in the past, a farmer’s rigid mindset remains the biggest barrier today, stressing the need for adaptable management and open-minded approaches to seeding methods like drills and drones. Finally, Greg Thoren expanded on the broader environmental impacts, noting that transitioning from single-species cover crops to a holistic, multi-species management system not only improves soil health but also supports natural ecosystems by promoting cleaner water and air.

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

In episode 81 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, Dr. Lizzie French and Mick Goedeken from Waypoint Analytical discuss how soil microbes influence nutrient cycling, soil structure, and nutrient retention within agricultural systems. The conversation explores how soil biology interacts with fertilizer management and conservation practices, including reduced tillage, cover crops, and managing soil compaction. The episode also discusses how microbial activity affects nitrogen cycling and nutrient movement within the soil system. 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 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]