The Crop Science Podcast Show - Dr. Matt Ruark: Cover Crops and Soil Fertility | Ep. 137

the crop science podcast show Jul 28, 2026

In this Corn Special Series episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Matt Ruark, Professor and Extension Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explains how cover crops interact with manure nitrogen in corn systems. He discusses Wisconsin dairy rotations, cereal rye biomass, manure nitrogen credits, nutrient cycling, soil health tests, and why long-term field data matters for practical recommendations. Listen now on all major platforms!

What you'll learn:  

  • Cover crop biomass
  • Manure nitrogen credits
  • Nutrient cycling timing
  • Soil health tests
  • Nitrogen planning tradeoffs

 

Meet the guest:

Dr. Matt Ruark is Professor and Extension Specialist in Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management in the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His nutrient and agroecosystems laboratory focuses on nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon cycling in dairy, grain, and potato cropping systems. This includes fertilizer, manure, and cover crop management, as well as soil health management. Learn from Dr. Ruark on The Crop Science Podcast Show, available on all major platforms. 

 

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