By Andi Anderson
Good soil fertility and nutrient planning are essential for strong crop yields and farm profitability.
To support growers and agribusiness professionals, Michigan State University Extension will host the 2026 Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Training on February 5, 2026.
This workshop builds on earlier training sessions and offers more detailed and technical information.
It is designed for farmers, crop advisors, and agribusiness professionals who provide nutrient recommendations and want to improve their understanding of soil fertility systems.
The 2026 training will be led by experienced Extension specialists. Sessions will focus on nitrogen management, nutrient interactions, micronutrients, sulfur needs, and the economics of nitrogen use. Each topic provides practical guidance that can be applied directly to field decisions.
The nitrogen session will explain how changing weather patterns affect nitrogen performance and what strategies can be used to manage uncertainty. Nutrient interactions will explore how different nutrients work together in the soil and influence crop uptake.
The micronutrients session will highlight the role of trace nutrients and how to identify deficiency symptoms. Sulfur management will focus on its importance in crop growth and how it compares with nitrogen cycling.
The economics of nitrogen session will help participants understand product costs, application rates, and return on investment.
The program also includes a question-and-answer session. This allows participants to ask speakers for further explanation and gain deeper understanding of the topics discussed.
Participants can attend in person or online. The in-person option will be held at Smith Hall on the Clinton County Fairgrounds in St. Johns, Michigan. Virtual participation will be available through Zoom. Registration includes learning materials, and in-person attendees will receive lunch.
The planning team has applied for Certified Crop Advisor continuing education units in nutrient management. This makes the training valuable for professionals who need to maintain certification while expanding their technical knowledge.
Overall, the 2026 Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Training provides an important learning opportunity. It supports better fertilizer decisions, improved soil health, and stronger crop performance.
By attending, farmers and agribusiness professionals can strengthen their skills, increase productivity, and improve long-term farm profitability through sound nutrient management practices.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: Michigan, Sustainable Agriculture