Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Training Registration is Open

By Jenna Falor

Farmers and agribusinesses know the key to obtaining increased yields and profitability start with good soil fertility and a sound nutrient management plan. Join Michigan State University Extension (MSU Extension) for one of two regional Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Trainings on Feb. 20 or Feb. 27, 2024. The Feb. 20 training will be held at the MSU Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center in Frankenmuth, Michigan, and the Feb. 27 training will be held at the Allegan County Human Services Building in Allegan, Michigan.

The identical trainings at each location will focus on building a base level of information and will be most beneficial to farmers and agribusiness professionals just beginning their careers of crop/nutrient advising. It can still be a valuable refresher for experienced agronomists and knowledgeable farmers.

Speakers will include Kurt Steinke, MSU soil fertility specialist, and other MSU Extension field crops educators. The topics being covered will be an overview and philosophy of soil fertility from Steinke; cation exchange capacity, soil pH and liming; essential nutrients and fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other micro/macro nutrients); how and why to soil and plant tissue testing; the latest MSU recommendations; and fertilizer economics.

We plan for this to be a multi-year series with single day trainings. Each year will build upon the previous year becoming more and more in-depth. You do not have to attend previous years to attend future years.

If we have low registration numbers by Feb. 13, we will cancel the Allegan location training. If this occurs and you are registered to attend, you will have the option to attend the Feb. 20 training in Frankenmuth in person or via Zoom, or you may receive a refund if one of the other options does not work for you.

The cost of registration is $50 per person and will include the 4R Soil Fertility Manual and all other handout materials and lunch. Participants are encouraged to register early to aid in the ordering of sufficient materials for all participants.

If you have any questions or need help registering, please reach out to Tina House at houset@msu.edu or 810-667-0341.

We have applied for five certified crop advisor continuing education credits in nutrient management for certified crop advisors.