Effects of Fertilizer Management on Agricultural Profitability

This episode of the MSU Extension Profitability in Montana Agriculture podcast focuses on how soil health and soil fertility directly influence farm profitability across Montana. Guest Dr. Clain Jones, MSU Extension Soil Fertility Specialist, explains the importance of soil testing, nutrient management, sulfur and phosphorus decisions, and how local research from MSU Extension and the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station guides producers’ real‑world choices. The conversation highlights the Four R's of fertilizer management, the economics of nitrogen use, and practical strategies to avoid soil acidification, leaching, and unnecessary input costs.Hosted by: Joel SchumacherFeaturing: Dr. Clain JonesFind your local Extension agent (search tool)Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES)MSU Soil Fertility / Clain Jones resourcesMSU Economic Nitrogen Rate Calculator (Clain Jones & Dwayne Griffith)MSU Soil Testing GuidelinesMSU Fertilizer Guidelines (N, P, K, S)Information on soil acidity & liming