Wormhole Agronomy

About Wormhole Agronomy

This show resides at the intersection of crop agronomy and soil health, where we dive deep into the minds of experts to extract meaningful insights and practical knowledge from those with real world experience in agriculture.

Publisher

Joe Ailts

Category

science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Feb 2026

Latest episode

30 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Jun 2026

   Ep9: 193lbs nitrogen in covercrop rye w/Ryan Gibbs

   Ryan Gibbs, a farmer from Northeast Iowa, shares insights on cover crop biomass testing, nitrogen sequestration, and soil health practices. He emphasizes the importance of ROI-driven decision-making and the use of carbon sources with nitrogen applications. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to agriculture, soil health, and farming practices. It delves into the importance of biochemistry in agriculture, the need for farmers to regulate themselves, the profitability of rotational grazing, the impact of cover crops, and the role of AI in agriculture. It also highlights the significance of soil biology, the outdated nature of fertility recommendations, and the potential for organic production. The conversation emphasizes the importance of farmer-focused companies and the need for a network of individuals and organizations that prioritize farmer success. Takeaways Cover Crop Biomass Test Nitrogen Sequestration ROI-Driven Decision-Making Biochemistry in agriculture Regulation and self-regulation in farming Profitability of rotational grazing Impact of cover crops Role of AI in agriculture Significance of soil biology Outdated fertility recommendations Potential for organic production Importance of farmer-focused companies Need for a network prioritizing farmer success Chapters 00:00 Soil Health Practices and ROI-Driven Decision-Making 56:10 Importance of Farmer-Focused Companies and Networks

2. 

   29 May 2026

   Ep8: Interseeding Corn & 7-top turnip w/Matt Oehmichen

   The conversation begins with an introduction and background information, leading into a detailed exploration of the nuances of interseeding in corn. The discussion covers species selection, goals, chemical application, timing, equipment, and application methods. Additionally, the differences between Seven Top and Purple Top turnips are highlighted. The conversation delves into the power of collaborative innovation in agriculture, emphasizing the importance of setting goals and measuring outcomes. It also explores the role of drones in agriculture and discusses innovative farming practices and livestock integration. The conversation delves into the importance of conservation agriculture for soil health and the value of a shovel as a farmer's best tool. It also explores the redefinition of soil health and the concept of conservation agriculture, emphasizing the need for a pragmatic approach to farming practices. Takeaways Interseeding in corn requires careful consideration of species selection, timing, and equipment for successful implementation. The choice of herbicide, species selection, and timing are crucial factors in the success of interseeding in corn. Collaborative innovation in agriculture Importance of setting goals and measuring outcomes Conservation agriculture for soil health The value of a shovel in farming Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:19 Species Selection and Goals 12:28 Chemical Application and Timing 17:49 Equipment and Application Methods 23:18 Seven Top vs. Purple Top Turnip 33:08 Setting Goals and Measuring Outcomes 42:25 The Role of Drones in Agriculture 48:38 Innovative Farming Practices and Livestock Integration 01:00:32 The Shovel: A Farmer's Best Tool 01:10:11 Redefining Soil Health and Conservation Agriculture

3. 

   26 Apr 2026

   Ep7: Fusarium, Myco, & Sugar w/Heber Hall

   The conversation delves into the work of Heber Hall, focusing on his expertise in understanding and combating Fusarium, a prevalent pathogenic fungus. He shares insights on Fusarium's impact, genetic framework, triggers, and strategies to combat it. Additionally, the role of polyphenols and mycorrhizae in addressing Fusarium is explored. The conversation delves into the role of mycorrhizae in plant growth, the impact of mycorrhizae on plant quality and yield, the significance of calcium in plant health, tools and techniques for soil health improvement, challenging conventional wisdom in crop production, critical questions for experts in agriculture, recognizing underrated experts in agriculture, and future research and insights. Takeaways Fusarium's prevalence and impact on crops Understanding Fusarium's genetic framework and triggers Mycorrhizae significantly impact plant quality and yield Calcium plays a crucial role in plant health and signaling Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Heber Hall and Background 05:22 Fusarium Pathogenicity and Virulence 12:34 Fusarium as an Endophyte and Its Prevalence 24:27 Factors and Strategies to Combat Fusarium 30:21 Role of Polyphenols and Mycorrhizae 43:56 The Significance of Calcium in Plant Health 51:27 Tools and Techniques for Soil Health Improvement 59:54 Future Research and Insights

4. 

   21 Apr 2026

   Ep6: Irrigation Insights & many agronomy nuggets w/Johnny Ference

   The conversation covers insights on irrigation, late-season nutrient feeding, innovative approaches to crop desiccation, the impact of pivot irrigation on soil, recommended books and research papers, and low-cost tools for soil analysis. The discussion also delves into water quality and soil health, providing valuable insights and practical applications for agronomists and farmers. The conversation covers the importance of timing and tools in crop production, the use of mechanical solutions for compaction, and the concept of a cooperative model for testing products. It emphasizes the significance of timing in agricultural practices, the role of mechanical solutions in addressing compaction issues, and the potential benefits of a cooperative model for testing products and principles in agriculture. Takeaways Irrigation Insights Nutrient Management Water Quality and Soil Health Tools for Soil Analysis Timing is everything Mechanical solutions for compaction Cooperative model for testing products Chapters 00:00 Low-Cost Tools for Soil Analysis 36:03 Cooperative Model for Testing Products

5. 

   4 Apr 2026

   Ep5: H3A, WEOC, & Land Grant Universities w/Liz Haney

   The conversation covers the Haney test, WEOC, strategies for improving soil health, accountability in land stewardship, and challenges with land grant universities. It emphasizes the importance of soil testing as a measure of land stewardship and the need for support from academic institutions for innovative ideas in agriculture. The conversation highlights the importance of open-mindedness in agriculture and the shift in agricultural practices across generations. It also emphasizes the need for research funding and the impact of regenerative practices on soil health and human well-being. Takeaways Haney test measures soil nutrients differently than standard soil tests WEOC is a key metric for soil health Cover crops and compost are cost-effective ways to improve soil health Soil testing serves as an accountability for land stewardship Challenges with land grant universities and their support for innovative ideas Open-mindedness in agriculture Generational shift in agricultural practices Chapters 00:00 Challenges with Land Grant Universities

6. 

   24 Mar 2026

   Ep4: Grain Nutrient Analysis & Question Everything! w/Curt Livesay

   The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including musical preferences, personal background, early life, education, PhD program, research methods, championing grain nutrient analysis, factors in grain nutrient analysis, insights from grain nutrient analysis, importance of oxygen in soil, and sustainability in agriculture. The conversation delves into the importance of questioning established practices, the value of grain testing, and the need for innovative problem-solving in agriculture. It emphasizes the significance of challenging conventional wisdom, testing new ideas, and recognizing ethical practices in the industry. The guest also shares insights on micronutrient trends, grain sampling best practices, and the soybean credit mystery. Takeaways Grain nutrient analysis provides valuable insights into nutrient removal rates and their impact on soil fertility. The importance of oxygen in soil and its role in plant growth and stress mitigation. The need for sustainable agricultural practices and the impact of industrial agriculture on food production and soil health. Questioning established practices is crucial for agricultural innovation. Grain testing is essential for understanding soil health and making informed decisions. Chapters 00:00 Musical Preferences and Personal Background 07:56 Championing Grain Nutrient Analysis 15:25 Factors in Grain Nutrient Analysis 26:20 Importance of Oxygen in Soil 35:09 Low-Cost Tools for Improvement 41:00 The Soybean Credit Mystery 46:18 Responding to Soil Test Interpretations 52:14 Future Endeavors

7. 

   14 Mar 2026

   Ep3: Monoculture vs Multispecies Covers w/Andy McGuire

   The conversation with Andrew McGuire delves into the topic of cover crops and soil health, challenging the narrative that diverse cover crop mixtures outperform monocultures. The study discussed highlights the importance of biomass production and the limitations of soil health tests. The conversation also touches on the potential of regenerative agriculture and the challenges of sequestering carbon in cropping systems. Takeaways Biomass production is a key factor in soil health and microbial activity. The fungal to bacterial ratio in soil and the interpretation of soil health tests are complex and require a critical approach. Chapters 00:00 Fungal to Bacterial Ratio and Soil Health Tests

8. 

   6 Mar 2026

   Ep2: Digital & Precision Agronomy w/Bob Gunzenhauser

   Bob Gunzenhauser, a professor at Iowa State, discusses his background and experience in digital and precision agriculture. He delves into the impact of digital and precision agriculture on soil health, specifically focusing on nitrogen management and its role in soil health. The conversation covers advancements in autonomy, the importance of stewardship and soil health, the use of low-cost tools, rethinking nitrogen application, challenging conventional wisdom, the long-term impact and stewardship, and innovative farming practices. Bob Gunzenhauser emphasizes the need for a balance between technology and stewardship in American agriculture, focusing on practical use and understanding the downstream effects of technology. Takeaways Digital and precision agriculture in soil health Nitrogen management and its impact on soil health Autonomy in farming is advancing with robotic planting and side-dressing, changing the dynamics of farming operations. The use of digital precision AI in agriculture requires a strong foundation in agronomy and machinery. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bob Gunzenhauser 28:29 Advancements in Autonomy 34:48 Rethinking Nitrogen Application 39:52 Challenging Conventional Wisdom 48:17 Innovative Farming Practices

9. 

   14 Feb 2026

   Ep1: Intro to the Wormhole Agronomy Podcast

   The Wormhole Agronomy Podcast, hosted by Joe Ailts, aims to provide deep insights into the intersection of agronomy and soil health. The podcast promises to offer advanced level discussions and a focus on extracting insights from industry experts. Takeaways Deep dive Intersection of agronomy and soil health Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wormhole Agronomy Podcast

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

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