The Dirt: an eKonomics podKast

An eKonomics podKast featuring down-and-dirty agronomic science to help grow crops and bottom lines. Inspired by nutrien-eKonomics.com, farming’s go-to information resource, hear Mike break down the latest crop nutrition research and news— helping farmers make better business decisions through actionable insights. Let’s dig in.

Last refreshed: July 2nd, 2025 at 5:40 PM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

The Role of Potassium in Plants with Dr. Antonio Mallarino

Today's episode of The Dirt continues our series on essential nutrients for plant growth with a discussion on potassium. Dr. Antoni Mallarino from Iowa State University joins Mike Howell to dig into the role of potassium in plants, common fertilizer sources, plant availability and more. To learn more about essential nutrients such as potassium and discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

May 24, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 11

Weather Impacts on Agricultural Production with Eric Snodgrass

We can't control the weather, but we can help you understand the key factors that will effect weather conditions this summer. On this episode of The Dirt Eric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist with Nutrien Ag Solutions, digs into severe weather potential in May and shares predictions for the summer forecast that will set the stage for farmers during this highly volatile market. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com To sign up for Eric's daily weather...

May 17, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 10

The Role of Phosphorus in Plants with Dr. Cristie Preston

Today's episode of The Dirt continues our series on essential nutrients for plant growth with a discussion on phosphorus. Nutrien Senior Agronomist Dr. Cristie Preston joins Mike Howell to dig into the function of phosphorus in plants, common fertilizer sources, application, and deficiency symptoms. To learn more about essential nutrients such as phosphorus and discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

May 10, 2022•13 min•Season 1Ep. 9

The Impact of Commodity, Fertilizer and Fuel Prices with Chris Reynolds

Commodity, fertilizer, and fuel prices are on everyone's minds for the 2022 growing season. In this episode of The Dirt, Mike Howell is joined by Chris Reynolds, Nutrien Senior Vice President of Sales, to dig into supply chain factors driving the commodity and fertilizer markets today. To discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

May 03, 2022•16 min•Season 1Ep. 8

The Role of Nitrogen in Plants with Dr. Hunter Frame: Part Two

Today's episode of The Dirt continues our conversation about the importance of nitrogen in plant growth. Dr. Hunter Frame, Field Agronomist with Virginia Tech, joins the show again to dig into the forms of nitrogen loss, types of nitrogen fertilizers, and application changes during times of high fertilizer and fuel costs. To learn more about essential nutrients such as nitrogen and discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com...

Apr 26, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 7

The Role of Nitrogen in Plants with Dr. Hunter Frame: Part One

Today's episode of The Dirt continues our series on essential nutrients for plant growth. Why is nitrogen such an important nutrient for crop production? What does it do within the plant? Dr. Hunter Frame, Field Agronomist with Virginia Tech, joins the show to dig into the role of nitrogen in plants. To learn more about essential nutrients such as nitrogen and discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Apr 19, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Essential Nutrients For Plant Growth with Dr. Alan Blaylock

Today's episode of The Dirt begins a series looking at each of the essential nutrients for plant growth, how the plants obtain them, the different forms of these nutrients, and what they do inside plants. Nutrien Interim Director of Agronomy Dr. Alan Blaylock joins the show to break down these essential nutrients and dig deeper in to three of the major nutrient categories. To learn more about essential nutrients and discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com ....

Apr 12, 2022•11 min•Season 1Ep. 5

The Importance of Soil pH with Dr. Larry Oldham and Dr. Clain Jones

In this episode of The Dirt we're digging into soil pH—why it's so important, how we manage it, and how we can alter the soil pH. Mike Howell is joined by Dr. Larry Oldham with Mississippi State University and Dr. Clain Jones with Montana State University to dig into this discussion on soil pH. To learn more about soil fertility and discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Apr 05, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Farmers' Perspectives on 2022 at the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show

Every growing season brings with it new challenges and opportunities. In this episode of The Dirt, Mike Howell sits down with farmers Taylor Butterworth, William Atkins, and Ted Kendall at the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show to discuss their plans for #Plant22. What are the biggest challenges for this coming year? How will you overcome these challenges? What will you change in your production system? What kind of opportunities do you see for this year? Tune in to hear from this group of farmers. T...

Mar 29, 2022•9 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Interpreting Soil Test Results with Dr. Nathan Slaton

Last time on The Dirt we talked about the importance of soil sampling and how to collect good soil samples. In this episode we take what we've learned to the next level and talk about interpreting a soil test report. Dr. Nathan Slaton with the University of Arkansas joins The Dirt to help us better understand how to interpret a soil test report. To learn more about soil test data and discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com...

Mar 22, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 2

The Ins and Outs of Soil Sampling with Dr. Oscar Ruiz

In the first episode of The Dirt with Mike Howell, Dr. Oscar Ruiz with Waypoint Analytical joins the show to talk through soil sampling. From what a soil sample is to the process of collecting the best sample, Dr. Ruiz shares how farmers and agronomists can ensure they get the most accurate data from each sample. To learn more about soil sampling and discover the latest crop nutrition research visit nutrien-eKonomics.com

Mar 11, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 1

← Prev

Hosted on Libsyn

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android