
Abstract The 20th century saw the development of a highly efficient nutrient industry producing affordable fertilizers that contributed greatly to increased food, feed, fiber, and fuel production for a growing global population. Plant nutrient production and use in the 21st century faces pressure to improve efficiency and outcomes. The nutrient industry has historically operated with large volumes and low margins, and has, at times, been slow to embrace innovations. However, the landscape has changed, driven by the demand for superior products, practices, and environmental stewardship. This transition marks the advent of what experts term “responsible plant nutrition” (International Fertilizer Association, 2024). This is the third and final article in a series on the past, present, and future of the North American fertilizer industry. Earn 1.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses .
In many areas where center-pivot irrigation methods are used, the most common sprinkler package is called mid-elevation sprinkler application, known as MESA. Two alternative sprinkler packages designed for better water use efficiency are called low-energy precision application, or LEPA, and mobile drip irrigation, called MDI. A recent study evaluated how MDI and LEPA—at full and reduced irrigation rates—impact alfalfa and silage corn yield and quality in trials on two farms in Utah. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Soil & Water Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning-Center/Courses .
Plant diversity, including diversified rotation and cover crops, is a part of conservation agricultural practices that support soil microbial communities. Three case studies from Canada, Belgium, and the United States uphold the importance of cover crops for promoting the long-term abundance and diversity of the soil microbiome. These results offer information on how microbial communities respond to different agricultural management practices with the goal of developing environmentally friendly, sustainable cropping systems. Earn 1 CEU in Soil & Water Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning-Center/Courses .
Crops & SoilsEarly View FROM THE EDITOR Crops & Soils Magazine Seeking Regional Editors Matt Nilsson, Matt Nilsson Managing Editor of Crops & Soils magazineSearch for more papers by this author Matt Nilsson, Matt Nilsson Managing Editor of Crops & Soils magazineSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 April 2024 https://doi.org/10.1002/crso.20356Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Early ViewOnline Version of Record before inclusion in an issue RelatedInformation
The principles of 4R nutrient stewardship apply to every plant nutrient. Magnesium (Mg), traditionally considered a secondary macronutrient, is often overlooked. This article reviews the options available for managing magnesium and the benefits you might expect. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning-Center/Courses .