Description

Nitrogen Smart is an educational program for producers that offers both fundamental and advanced topics in nitrogen (N) management. The Advanced Nitrogen Smart courses are available to returning participants or to new participants that complete the Fundamentals course.

Nitrogen Smart certification is valid for three years. 

Nitrogen Smart: Fundamentals 

Nitrogen Smart focuses on the fundamentals of nitrogen management so producers can maximize economic return on N investments while minimizing losses. This high-quality, research-based education course includes the following topics:

• Sources of nitrogen (N) for crops

• How nitrogen is lost from soil and how you can reduce losses

• How to manage nitrogen in drainage systems

• What the Nutrient Reduction Strategy and Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Plan mean for Minnesota producers

• Practices to refine nitrogen management, including split applications, alternative N fertilizers, soil and tissue testing and N models

Advanced Nitrogen Smart: Manure management

Livestock manures have been used as a crop fertilizer source for thousands of years. It continues to be a valuable source of crop nutrients, even with the advent of synthetic fertilizers. Because its nutrient content and availability can vary widely, it's important to develop a management plan that will optimize crop productivity while protecting water quality.

Topics include:

• Benefits and challenges of using manure in crop production

• What determines nutrient content in manure

• How manure storage and handling affect nutrient availability

• Importance of manure sampling and testing

• How application methods and timing affect nitrogen loss 

• Practices to optimize manure use and minimize nitrogen losses 

Please note: These courses are self-paced. You may register at any point and complete the coursework when it is convenient for you.

Other Advanced Nitrogen Management topics 

Other Advanced Nitrogen Smart courses are under development and include “A deep dive into the 4Rs” and “Adapting N management for a changing climate.” 

Course contacts

Phyllis Bongard
bonga028@umn.edu

Brad Carlson
bcarlson@umn.edu

Ryan Miller
mill0869@umn.edu

Registration help

ext-reg@umn.edu

Help with online learning

https://z.umn.edu/onlinelearninghelp

More information about this program

https://extension.umn.edu/courses-and-events/nitrogen-smart