Shows
Soil Health LabsNew Research Reveals Why Fertilizer Efficiency Depends on More Than Nitrogen Rates and Soil ChemistryIn Part 2 of our series with Dr. Bhupinder Farmaha, we go deeper—literally. Dr. Farmaha joins us again to talk about what’s happening below the topsoil and why it matters more than ever in nutrient decision-making. From soil testing at deeper depths to assessing the biological activity of soil microbes, Bhupinder's research is showing that one-size-fits-all recommendations just don’t cut it anymore.He shares a bold finding: only 50% of cotton production sites in his trials respond to nitrogen application. That insight could shake up fertilizer recommendations in a big way. Bhupinder also dives into ch...2025-07-0846 min
Soil Health LabsHow to Cut Fertilizer Inputs Without Sacrificing Yield: Soil Fertility Specialist Shares New Soil Health DataIn Part 1 of our two-part conversation with Dr. Bhupinder Farmaha, we dig into the reality of shifting farmer mindsets around nutrient management. As Clemson Extension’s Soil Fertility Specialist, Bhupinder walks us through his journey from studying soil science at the University of Illinois to on-farm research in Minnesota and across South Carolina—where he’s working side-by-side with farmers to reevaluate how much (and what kind of) fertilizer is really necessary.We explore the difficulty of challenging generational practices and the importance of building trust through local, participatory research. Bhupinder shares stories of farmers like Sonny Price...2025-06-2443 min
Soil Health LabsHow Real-World Farmers are Boosting Profits: Cover Crops, Cost Cutting, & Yield BumpsIn this episode, Carl Coleman continues his deep dive into the lessons learned from years of soil health experimentation—and how they changed not only his farm but his entire career. Carl shares how the pushback he received from scientists and extension professionals led him to set up a randomized, replicated study on his farm, proving that regenerative practices could reduce inputs without sacrificing yield.We explore some of the biggest surprises from these trials, including how fields with no applied potassium actually maintained or increased soil test levels over five years—completely contradicting conventional wisdom. Carl also...2025-04-281h 04
Soil Health LabsThe Economic Impact of Regenerative Agriculture: Practical Wisdom from a Seasoned FarmerIn this episode, Carl Coleman continues his deep dive into the lessons learned from years of soil health experimentation—and how they changed not only his farm but his entire career. Carl shares how the pushback he received from scientists and extension professionals led him to set up a randomized, replicated study on his farm, proving that regenerative practices could reduce inputs without sacrificing yield.We explore some of the biggest surprises from these trials, including how fields with no applied potassium actually maintained or increased soil test levels over five years—completely contradicting conventional wisdom. Carl also...2025-04-1748 min
Soil Health Labs71 Tap into the Hidden Wisdom of Livestock to Restore Your Land with Renowned Ecologist Fred ProvenzaIn this episode of the SoilHealthLabs podcast series, Buz Kloot and Joe Dickie chat with Dr. Fred Provenza, professor emeritus of Behavioral Ecology at Utah State University, and author of several important books on animal behavior and land stewardship. Our discussion delves into the profound connections between healthy grasslands and healthy livestock, with Fred sharing personal stories and research that highlight the intricate relationships between soil, plants, animals, and humans.Fred begins by recounting his early experiences working with Henry DeLuca, a rancher who started in the late 1800s. Henry’s deep understanding of his land and li...2024-08-2943 min
Soil Health Labs69 Soil Health Innovation: How One First-Gen Farmer Is Rewriting the Soil Health Script for a New GenerationIn this week’s SoilHealthLabs podcast, Gabe and Buz have a chat with Russell Hedrick, a first-generation farmer who began his agricultural journey in 2012 with a focus on no-till farming to minimize equipment costs. Introduced to cover crops by NRCS's Lee Holcomb, he faced skepticism from older farmers but garnered interest from younger peers curious about his methods.Since then, Hedrick's farm has expanded significantly, collaborating with distilleries and diversifying into cattle and pasture pigs, although they've scaled back livestock due to time constraints. They also produce and sell grits and cornmeal under their brands, ensuring financial se...2024-07-1057 min
Soil Health Labs67 Master Gardener Greg Brown’s Top Tips for Building a Successful Farming Operation On As Little As One AcreIn this podcast episode, we chat with Greg Brown, a market gardener at Greenleaf Farms in Columbia, South Carolina. Greg's farm spans about an acre, where he grows a variety of flowers and produce organically, despite not being certified organic. He sells his products at a local farmer's market and to some local restaurants, but his main focus is a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program he runs with another farmer.Greg began his farming journey in Atlanta, Georgia, before moving to Columbia due to health issues that necessitated a heart transplant. Post-recovery, he resumed farming in Columbia...2024-06-2752 min
Soil Health Labs66 Soil Health Goes South: Soil Molecular Biologist Brings New Life to Soil Health in South CarolinaIn this first-of-its-kind episode on the Soil Health Labs podcast, we share big news on our expansion into South Carolina. Join us as we introduce Dr. Gabe Kenne, a molecular biologist turned soil health advocate, who will be leading our efforts in the Southeast. This episode sets the stage for what’s to come, sharing insights into the different agricultural landscapes and practices of South Carolina while maintaining our commitment to soil health principles that benefit land managers everywhere.We start by discussing the podcast's new focus, emphasizing the universal applicability of soil health principles and the va...2024-06-2513 min
In Search of SoilSoil Nutrients with Dr. Buz Kloot - ISOS S1 #8What if your soil test just came back, and suddenly someone tells you that your soil’s nutrient values will stay consistent regardless of whether or not you put amendments? Understandably, you would find that hard to believe. You’d probably ask, where is it coming from, and where does it go? Today, we’re talking to Dr. Buz Kloot of Soil Health Lab to discuss just that. Dr. Buz Kloot began his professional career as a chemical engineer. He then joined the University of South Carolina in 1999 and has since worked on various agriculture and en...2023-04-081h 34