Podcast
Plants Dig Soil™
Hosted by Scott Gillespie · EN
#RealisticRegenAg | Author and consulting agronomist Scott Gillespie presents science-backed practices that promote environmental stewardship and farm profitability.
14episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Navigating Fertilizer Uncertainty
Apr 1300:12:53Tap to summarizeHave recent geopolitical events left you short on nitrogen? Or are you holding back due to high input costs and uncertainty around how much you’ll sell the crop for?The good news is that for most of our other nutrients we can short them for one year as long as we haven’t been shorting them for many years. When you keep up with replacement then you have a buffer in place. Nitrogen is not like this. Applying some upfront is nearly always needed. There’s always the option to top up later—if conditions improve and product is available. But just because you can doesn’t always mean you should. Cereals and oilseeds take up nitrogen faster than many expect. By the time you’re ready to top up, the crop may have already locked in its yield potential based on what it sensed during early root exploration.This month, I focus on a practical framework to help you decide when a split nitrogen strategy makes sense. I’ll also point you back to a few articles that can help you if you are struggling with what to do about the other nutrients, including the value of biostimulants, humic acids, and other non-traditional fertility sources.Transcript with links to everything mentioned in the episode:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/navigating-fertilizer-uncertaintyNewsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast: https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie (Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in your favourite app.)Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books Consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking Funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com Call/text/WhatsApp:403-654-3096 LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/
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Relieving Pressure with Residuals
Mar 3000:06:37Tap to summarizeResiduals, in-crop chemistry, crop competition, and rotation all interact to have a greater effect than what is used in any single season. Listen to learn more, and see an excellent example of how an unintentional check strip that showed the power of residuals. Transcript with links to everything mentioned in the episode:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/relieving-pressure-with-residuals Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast: https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie (Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in your favourite app.)Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books Consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking Funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com Call/text/WhatsApp:403-654-3096 LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/
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Rotation is Risk Management
Feb 1200:05:28Tap to summarizeFor this month, my article focuses on rotation. It’s hard to quantify but the effects of it are real. With weather, markets, and geopolitical risks all very real concerns this year a good rotation adds stability. No one crop will carry the farm, but, just as importantly, no one crop will put the farm at risk.Transcript with links to everything mentioned in the episode:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/rotation-is-risk-managementNewsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast: https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie (Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in your favourite app.)Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books Consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking Funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com Call/text/WhatsApp:403-654-3096 LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/
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Planning Starts at Harvest
Jan 1200:07:27Tap to summarizeDiscussion of two recent magazine articles that I wrote. One article looks at pest control through a post-harvest lens — basically treating the season to a post-mortem. The other looks at seed decisions, especially around saved seed versus certified seed.Upcoming: Foothills County talk (south of Calgary, AB) Jan 28/26The Builder, The Banker, The Brewer https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-builder-the-banker-the-brewer-tickets-1978190561220Transcript with links to everything mentioned in theepisode:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/planning-starts-at-harvestNewsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletterhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespiePodcast: https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie(Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in your favourite app.)Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for ClimateSmart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books Consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking Funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperworkEmail: scott@plantsdigsoil.com Call/text/WhatsApp:403-654-3096 LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/
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708 What Leaves the Farm … And What Comes Back?
Dec 600:09:34Tap to summarizeCrops take nutrients off the farm. Can food-waste biostimulants bring them back? Are they worth your time and money? In this episode I’ll dig in to nutrient imports, exports, how you can calculate the flows on your farm, and whether it’s worth trying some of the many products hitting the market.Upcoming: Foothills County talk (south of Calgary, AB) Dec 11/25The Builder, The Banker, The Brewer https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-builder-the-banker-the-brewer-tickets-1968841229116Transcript with links to everything mentioned in theepisode:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/what-leaves-the-farm-what-comes-backNewsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletterhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespiePodcast: https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie(Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in yourfavourite app.)Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for ClimateSmart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books Consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking Funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperworkEmail: scott@plantsdigsoil.com Call/text/WhatsApp:403-654-3096 LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil
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707 Test Smarter. Spend Less.
Oct 2700:04:54Tap to summarizeSoil testing isn’t an expense—it’s an investment. In my latest Better Farming Prairies article, I share how a few dollars per acre in testing can save thousands in fertilizer costs and help you make smarter, better-timed decisions. Read “Test Smarter to Spend Less” to see how good data pays off in the field.#RealisticRegenAg #SoilTesting #PrecisionAgriculture #FertilizerEfficiency #SustainableFarming #ClimateSmartAgricultureTranscript with links to everything mentioned in the episode:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/test-smarter-spend-less Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast: https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie (Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in your favourite app.)Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books Consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking Funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com Call/text/WhatsApp:403-654-3096 LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil
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706 Mapping Soil Health
Sep 2200:06:52Tap to summarizePrairie farmers are skeptical of “soil health” as justanother buzzword — but what if data could make it practical? This episode explores mapping tools, farmer perspectives, and what resilience really looks like in the field.Transcript with links to everything mentioned in theepisode:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/mapping-soil-healthNewsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletterhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespiePodcast: https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie(Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in your favourite app.)Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for ClimateSmart Agriculturehttps://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books Consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking Funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperworkEmail: scott@plantsdigsoil.com Call/text/WhatsApp:403-654-3096 LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil
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0705 When to Bale Your Straw
Aug 1100:07:42Tap to summarizeDo you bale your straw or keep it? The basic concept is to ask whether it is helping or hindering you. If baling will remove soil armor and allow rains to erode your land, leave it. If it’s causing issues at seeding time, bale some of it.Transcript with links to everything mentioned in the episode:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/when-to-bale-your-straw Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast: https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie (Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in your favourite app.)Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books Consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking Funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com Call/text/WhatsApp:403-654-3096 LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil
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0704 Testing New Practices
Aug 400:13:39Tap to summarizeIn this edition I talk about how I evaluate new agricultural practices and tools before recommending them to clients. From the challenges of staying current to the importance of third-party data, I share my approach to separating useful innovation from flashy distractions. Transcript with links to everything mentioned in the episode: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/testing-new-practicesNewsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast: https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie (Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in your favourite app.)Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books Consulting packages:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking Funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com Call/text/WhatsApp:403-654-3096 LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil
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0703 Organic Weed Control
Jun 2300:08:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I dive into what I’ve learned from applying organic weed control methods in my own garden—from stale seedbeds to blind cultivation—and how those lessons connect to what I see in prairie agriculture. I also reflect on my latest Better Farming Prairies article, which explores modern weed control tools that can reduce herbicide use without reversing no-till gains. Plus, I highlight some excellent resources on ecological weed management and emerging weed recognition technologies.Transcript with links to everything mentioned in the episode:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/organic-weed-control Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752 YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast: https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie (Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in your favourite app.) Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books Consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking Funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork Email: scott@plantsdigsoil.com Call/text/WhatsApp:403-654-3096 LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil
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