Soil Fertility & Health

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Clearing up nutrient unknowns on In the Weeds podcast series

Published on January 19, 2023
“In the Weeds” podcast navigates the uncertain waters of the fertilizer markets with Kurt Steinke, MSU Extension soil fertility specialist.
In the Weeds podcast highlights key findings from Kellogg Biological Station research

Published on January 19, 2023
Agriculture is an intricate system of inputs and outputs. Come listen to the “In the Weeds” podcast as we explore the complexities.
Exploring soil health in perennial fruit crops at Great Lakes Expo

Published on November 28, 2022
The Michigan State University Extension fruit team is excited to have an entire session dedicated to soil health in fruit crops.
Understanding Your Vegetable Farm’s Financial Health: a workshop at Great Lakes Expo

Published on November 15, 2022
One of several beginning farmer workshops at this year’s event.
Michigan pesticide applicator recertification credits available in person and online before the end of the year

Published on October 31, 2022
Growers needing a few more credits to renew their pesticide applicator license have some online and in-person opportunities available.
A Field Guide To Soil Sampling

Published on October 13, 2022
Soil sampling is a foundational step to make effective farm management and soil fertility decisions. This step-by-step field guide is a summary of best practices and recommendations for composite soil sampling to help you do just that.
To apply or not to apply potassium fertilizer in 2022, that is the question

Published on April 7, 2022
Soybean producers can make important potash allocation decisions this spring by combining information contained in recent soil test reports and the new tri-state fertilizer recommendations.
Presenter Panel Discussion of the Week's Pest Topics

Attendees submitted questions to the expert panel of presenters from the week's fruit sessions. The panel spent the Friday hour answering attendee submitted questions based on the week's topics.
Key Wildlife Pests of Fruit and How to Promote and Protect Pollinators in Fruit Systems

Learn more about key wildlife pests to be on the lookout for as well as how you can promote and protect pollinators on your operation.
Key Insect Pests and Diseases of Small Fruits

Diseases and pests can show up quickly to ruin fruit crops. This video will help you learn the basics, including management strategies, for important small fruit diseases and pests common in our region.
Key Insect Pests and Diseases of Tree Fruits

Diseases, and pests can show up quickly to ruin fruit crops. This session will help you learn the basics, including management strategies, for important tree fruit diseases and pests common in our region.
What is IPM and How do you do it?

Learn more about integrated pest management and how to implement IPM practices on your farm.
Mole drains: A cheap alternative to subsurface tile drainage

Published on March 17, 2022
Learn how mole drains can improve drainage performance and increase crop yield in heavy clay soil.
Fruit Presenter Panel Discussion of the Week's Horticultural Topics

Attendees at the MI Ag Ideas to Grow With conference who participated in the fruit track, week 1 with horticultural topics were able to hear from an expert panel of presenters from the week's sessions. This panel spent the Friday hour answering attendee submitted questions based on the week's topics.
Tips for improving the performance of your drainage system

Published on March 3, 2022
Learn which pipe removes water the quickest and which pipe properties increase water entry into the pipe.
Compost handling in agriculture systems: Right-to-Farm coverage of on-farm compost production

Published on March 3, 2022
Part six of a six-part series on compost utilization and management on farms.
Digging in: How to pick and prepare a site for a fruit planting

Join Emily Lavely to learn more about how to pick the best location and prepare it for planting fruit.
Compost handling in agriculture systems: Land application

Published on February 19, 2022
Part five of a six-part series on compost utilization and management on farms.
Compost handling in agriculture systems: compost transfer and equipment calibration

Published on February 14, 2022
Part four of a six-part series on compost utilization and management on farms.
Upper Peninsula project monitors water conditions on clay soils

Published on February 11, 2022
Using high-tech monitoring equipment, MSU Extension worked with local farmers in 2021 to explore effectiveness of innovative approaches to improving soil drainage on challenging clay soils.