# Active sensors & variable rate nitrogen: What MN farmers should know

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/umn-extension-nutrient-management-podcast-4805870/active-sensors-variable-rate-nitrogen-what-mn-farmers-should-know
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/umn-extension-nutrient-management-podcast-4805870/active-sensors-variable-rate-nitrogen-what-mn-farmers-should-know.md
Podcast: [UMN Extension Nutrient Management Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/umn-extension-nutrient-management-podcast-4805870)
Published: 2026-03-26T16:08:01+00:00
Episode link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/1e52c530
Audio file: https://media.transistor.fm/1e52c530/35a002c9.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/umn-extension-nutrient-management-podcast-4805870/episodes/active-sensors-variable-rate-nitrogen-what-mn-farmers-should-know
Duration seconds: 1308

## Resource

Brad Carlson and Jeff Vetsch talk about variable rate sensors on today's Advancing Nitrogen Smart Podcast episode. What is meant by the term 'active sensors' and what data do active sensors capture? Which specific brands of sensors have the Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC) researched, and how did they perform? What stage does corn need to reach before sensors can best contribute to variable rate decision making? How do other field variables like soil texture or irrigation systems contribute (or not) to variable rate sensing? Join us today for part one of a two-part discussion on variable rate technology with Brad and Jeff. Guests : Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato) Jeff Vetsch, Lead researcher at the Southern Research and Outreach Center (Waseca) Additional Resources: 5 Things to consider for sensor-based nitrogen management Variable rate nitrogen and nitrogen advisory tools: Do they work? Variable rate technology: How should farmers evaluate outcomes? Things to consider when sidedressing nitrogen Nitrogen smart Nitrogen -- For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast . And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook , follow us on X (formerly twitter) , and visit our website . If you have questions or comments, please email us at nutmgmt@umn.edu. Advancing Nitrogen Smart is proud to be supported by the farm families of Minnesota and their corn check-off investment through Minnesota Corn.

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