Explore every episode of the podcast Soil Talks™ Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Why Soil Stops Working (And How Fungi Bring It Back) | Dan Grotsky, Groundwork BioAg | 02 Jun 2026 | 01:03:50 | |
What if the biggest limitation in agriculture isn't fertilizer... What if it's a function? In this episode of Soil Talks™ Podcast, Brandon Kail sits down with Dan Grotsky, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Groundwork BioAg, to explore the underground biological networks that drive nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, crop resilience, and long-term soil function. For decades, agriculture was told that mycorrhizal fungi were too expensive, too fragile, and impossible to scale across broad-acre row crops. Groundwork BioAg proved otherwise. Inside this conversation: ✅ Why soils stop working even when nutrients are present ✅ How mycorrhizal fungi unlock legacy phosphorus ✅ The hidden biological network beneath every crop ✅ Why soil biology drives drought resilience ✅ How fungi become the primary pathway for carbon sequestration ✅ The science behind soil carbon payments and carbon markets ✅ What the future of regenerative and biological agriculture looks like If agriculture is going to produce more food with fewer inputs, the answer won't come from adding more products. It will come from restoring biological function.
🎙 Subscribe for more Soil Talks™ Podcast episodes. | |||
| Beyond the No-Till Drill: A Blueprint for Living Soil with Jay Fuhrer | 08 May 2026 | 01:05:58 | |
No-till is a great start, but it isn't the whole solution. In this episode of Soil Talks, we sit down with regenerative pioneer Jay Fuhrer to discuss the transition from traditional conservation to a biological systems approach. With over 40 years of experience at the NRCS and legendary work at Minokin Farm, Jay breaks down why carbon is the universal currency of a successful farm and how to move beyond simple extraction toward true stewardship of living soil. In this episode, we cover:
Explore Minokin Farm Learn the 5 Principles of Soil Health Rocky Mountain BioAg – Biological Inoculants Subscribe to the Soil Talks™ Podcast #SoilTalks #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #NoTill #JayFuhrer #MinokinFarm #CarbonStewardship #SoilMicrobiology #BeyondOrganic #SustainableFarming #CoverCrops | |||
| Why Modern Agriculture Keeps Failing the Soil | Jon Stika on Soil Biology | 06 Mar 2026 | 00:49:43 | |
For decades, agriculture has treated soil like a chemical system. Add fertilizer to correct deficiencies. Increase yield. But what if the real problem isn’t nutrients, it’s biology? In this episode of Soil Talks Podcast, Brandon Kail sits down with Jon Stika, author of A Soil Owner’s Manual and a former NRCS agronomist with over 30 years of experience studying soil health and regenerative agriculture systems. Together, they unpack one of the most important shifts happening in modern farming: Soil is not a chemical system. John explains why the Green Revolution pushed agriculture toward fertilizer dependency, how soil aggregates create habitat for billions of organisms, and why rebuilding soil biology may be the most profitable path forward for farmers. Inside this conversation: • Why modern agriculture became dependent on fertilizer If agriculture is going to remain profitable and resilient, the conversation must move beyond inputs and toward restoring the biological systems that make soil function. Listen to understand why many farmers are shifting from a chemistry-first model to a biology-first approach. Guest: Connect with Jon Stika Subscribe to Soil Talks™ Podcast YouTube #SoilHealth #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilBiology #SustainableFarming #CarbonFarming #AgriculturePodcast #SoilTalks | |||
| Is Modern Agriculture in Model Collapse? | Mark Shepard | 27 Feb 2026 | 00:40:37 | |
Modern agriculture isn’t just under pressure; it may be experiencing model collapse. In this episode of the Soil Talks™ Podcast, Mark Shepard, author of Restoration Agriculture and Water for Any Farm, explains why today’s agricultural research and production systems may be built on a flawed foundation. From monocultures and annual disturbance to hydrology, agroforestry, and perennial systems, Mark breaks down: • Why annual monocropping disrupts ecological function This is not theory. 📘 Mark Shepard’s Books (Available at Acres USA): Water for Any Farm Learn more about Mark’s work: Forest Agriculture Nursery If you believe agriculture can be both profitable and ecologically restorative, subscribe and join the conversation. #ModelCollapse #RegenerativeAgriculture #RestorationAgriculture #Agroforestry #SoilHealth #Permaculture #Farming | |||
| Chip Osborne: The Chemical Treadmill | Organic Turf vs Synthetic | Soil Biology, PFAS & Beyond NPK | 20 Feb 2026 | 00:58:50 | |
For decades, turf and landscape management has relied on synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides. But is that system sustainable? In this episode of Soil Talks™, Chip Osborne, founder of Osborne Organics and a national leader in organic land management, explains the “chemical treadmill” and why feeding the soil, not the plant, is the future of resilient turf systems. We discuss soil biology testing, compaction and gas exchange, organic vs synthetic nitrogen, PFAS regulation, climate resilience, and why NPK-only agronomy often fails long-term performance goals. Whether you manage sports fields, municipalities, farms, or private landscapes, this conversation explores how soil health, microbial activity, and cultural practices drive profitability and sustainability. If you want measurable biology, real agriculture, and long-term system design this episode is for you. Partner plug: Contact Chip at www.osborneorganics.com #SoilHealth #OrganicTurf #SoilBiology | |||
| The Death of NPK: Why Lazy Soils and Broken Yields Start with Modern Agronomy | 13 Feb 2026 | 01:06:32 | |
Every farmer knows the frustration following the book, applying the right NPK, investing in chemistry, only to watch soil resilience disappear. In this powerful episode of Soil Talks™, RMBA Founder Mark sits down with Gary Zimmer, the godfather of biological farming, to expose the broken mindset of modern agronomy and chart the path forward for the next agricultural revolution. Topics Covered:
⚡ Key Quote: 🎯 Who It’s For: 🔗 Watch the full episode on YouTube: 🧠 Join the Movement:
#SoilTalks #BiologicalFarming #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #GaryZimmer #RockyMountainBioAg #BeyondOrganic | |||
| Guessing Is Over: Real-Time Plant ‘Lie Detector’ With Picketa Systems CEO Xavier Hebert-Couturier | 06 Feb 2026 | 01:03:22 | |
For decades, farmers and agronomists have been forced to guess what’s happening inside the crop or wait days to weeks for tissue results that can change before the lab report even arrives. In this episode of Soil Talks™, Brandon sits down with Xavier Hebert-Couturier, CEO & Founder of Picketa Systems, the team behind a handheld tool that uses light + AI to reveal what the human eye can’t: real-time nutrient status inside the leaf. We unpack how the Picketa “Lens” is closing the gap between scouting and action turning every field visit into a tissue test in about a minute and why this matters for:
Xavier also shares how Picketa scaled from a university capstone project to a venture-backed ag tech company, why most ag tech fails, and what it will take to build the most reliable plant nutrition sensing system on earth. Learn more about Picketa Systems: If you got value from this conversation, please leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts it helps us bring on more CEOs and innovators shaping the future of agriculture. | |||
| The Green Philosophy: Why Lawns Fail Without Soil Biology | 30 Jan 2026 | 00:54:29 | |
For decades, lawn care has been built on schedules, products, and chemical fixes, yet lawns continue to decline, thin out, struggle with disease, and require more inputs every year. Why? Most lawn programs ignore the most important part of the system: soil biology. In this episode of the Soil Talks™ Podcast, we sit down with Rob Gaunt, Plant Pathologist and ISA Arborist, to break down The Green Philosophy a soil-first approach to lawn and landscape care that moves beyond chemicals, beyond guesswork, and into biological function. This conversation challenges the traditional lawn care model and explains why fertilizers and chemicals often fail long-term when biology is missing from the system. In this episode, we explore:• Why lawns fail even when “everything is done right” Rather than focusing on quick fixes, this discussion looks at lawns as biological systems, not chemical equations. When soil biology is ignored, inputs increase and results decline. When biology is restored, systems stabilize and begin to regenerate. Whether you’re a homeowner frustrated with recurring lawn problems, a lawn care professional looking for better outcomes, or someone managing turf at scale, this episode provides a foundational framework for understanding why lawns fail and what actually fixes them. Soil Talks™ Podcast is where we break down soil biology, plant health, and regenerative systems one conversation at a time. 📞 Have questions about your lawn or soil system? | |||
| Biology Feeds Everything | Why Soil Function Determines Profitability | 23 Jan 2026 | 01:15:54 | |
Some farms are sitting on thousands of pounds of nutrients, and their crops are still starving. Why? Because the missing link isn’t fertilizer. Its function. In this episode of Soil Talks™ Podcast, Brandon Kail sits down with Tom Vander Heiden, GM of Ag at ST Biologicals, bringing 43+ years in agriculture and 15+ years in soil microbiology, to break down what most soil conversations never address: • Why standard soil tests miss the living system One line from this episode says it all: “The greatest limiting factor of yield… is the farmer’s shadow.” This isn’t theory. 🎧 Listen now and rethink how soil actually feeds crops. | |||
| NPK Was Never the Engine: Why Soil Biology Determines Yield, Resilience, and ROI | 16 Jan 2026 | 01:20:50 | |
Most agricultural systems weren’t designed to fail. For decades, fertility conversations have centered on NPK. NPK was never the engine. Biology was. In this episode of Soil Talks™ Podcast, we sit down with the team from Purple Cow Organics / BioActive Ag to unpack what actually drives soil performance at scale without slogans, shortcuts, or ideology. We break down:
This conversation isn’t anti-fertility. If you grow crops, manage land, advise growers, or make agronomic decisions this episode will change how you think about soil, inputs, and profit. 🎧 Watch or listen now on Soil Talks™ | |||
| The Farm Debt Trap: Why Regenerative Ag Must Pencil Out | 09 Jan 2026 | 01:10:09 | |
Regenerative agriculture only works when the economics are in place. In this episode of Soil Talks™ Podcast, we sit down with Taylor Henry, CEO of Acres U.S.A., to discuss the aspect of regenerative farming that many people tend to overlook: finances, debt, and decision-making. Taylor shares his unconventional journey from law enforcement into agriculture and breaks down why regenerative systems often fail, not because the biology is wrong, but because the economic model is misunderstood. This conversation goes beyond soil health theory into:
If regenerative agriculture is going to scale, it must be measured, economically viable, and decision-driven. This episode explains what that really means. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts | |||
| Biology Wasn’t Optional: How Betteravia Farms Reduced Nitrogen | 02 Jan 2026 | 01:02:26 | |
In this episode of the Soil Talks™ Podcast, we sit down with Josue Diaz (Betteravia Farms / BoniPak Produce) and Dr. Christopher Height to unpack what actually happens when a large-scale operation transitions from conventional inputs to biological systems, under real-world pressure. This isn’t a conversation about ideology. It’s a conversation about constraints. • Increasing regulatory pressure on nitrogen What stood out most in this discussion wasn’t belief. When biology is measured, not assumed:
Betteravia Farms’ experience shows that biology doesn’t replace agronomy This episode is for: If you’re asking: This conversation is required listening. | |||
| The Rhizophagy Revolution: Why Plant Roots are Microbial Farmers with Dr. James White | 01 May 2026 | 00:48:18 | |
What if everything we knew about nutrient uptake was only half the story? In this episode of Soil Talks™, we dive deep into the Rhizophagy Cycle with world-renowned expert Dr. James White. We move beyond the "straw" model of plant roots and explore how plants actually "farm" microbes, attracting, absorbing, and even stripping the cell walls of bacteria to extract vital nutrients like manganese and nitrogen. Dr. White explains the "addictive" nature of conventional chemical inputs and how they blind plants to their natural internal partners. From the secret ecology of seed-borne endophytes to the direct link between soil health and human nutrition, this episode is a masterclass in the "Biological... Beyond Organic®" methodology. Chapter Markers
#SoilTalks #RhizophagyCycle #RegenerativeAg #SoilMicrobiome #DrJamesWhite #BeyondOrganic #SoilHealth #PlantPhysiology | |||
| Soil Talks™ Podcast: How to Build Crop Resilience (N-Efficiency, Silica, Real-World Bio) | 26 Dec 2025 | 01:12:07 | |
Can biology really pay? Dr. Curt Livesay (Alchemy BioScience, Dynamite Ag) breaks down the data behind crop stress mitigation with silica, nitrogen efficiency, and post-harvest nutrient removal testing. We dig into nutritional density trends, ROI, manure’s real value, and how to separate useful biologicals from marketing—using independent testing and fieldproof. Subscribe for more Soil Talks™: https://youtube.com/@RockyMountainBioAg?sub_confirmation=1 What you’ll learn Chapters Links mentioned CTA #SoilTalks #SoilHealth #RegenerativeAgriculture #Agronomy #NitrogenEfficiency #Silica #Biologicals #SoilMicrobiome #SustainableFarming #FarmProfitability | |||
| PhycoTerra's Microalgae vs Traditional Amendments: The Results Are Clear | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:42:01 | |
Microalgae, Microbes & Measurable Gains with Cassidy Million, VP Ag Sciences @ PhycoTerra® What this episode delivers: a clear, field-ready look at how photosynthetically-derived microalgae feed native microbes, improve aggregation, and lift yield without overhauling your program. We separate myth from mechanism, show where microalgae fit in the regen stack, and outline how to verify results fast. Guest: Cassidy Million, M.S. (Plant Pathology), VP of Ag Sciences at PhycoTerra®. Cassidy translates peer-reviewed biology into practical agronomy: microbial activation, carbon flow, water handling, and ROI. Key takeaways
00:00 Welcome & today’s outcomes • PhycoTerra®: https://phycoterra.com/
Disclosure: This episode discusses third-party products in the context of biological soil function and field measurement. | |||
| Soil Talks™ Podcast with Joel Leman GM of Ballantine Farms , CO | 19 Dec 2025 | 00:38:36 | |
What does it actually look like to take a conventional, hay-focused operation and turn it into a resilient, biology-led system in one season? In this episode, Brandon sits down with Joel Leman, GM of Ballantine Farms (Durango, Colorado), to unpack the full transition: rotational/mob grazing in arid conditions, using goats to knock out thistle without herbicides, deploying virtual fencing (GPS collars) to increase stock density, and partnering with RMBA to add biology only when habitat is ready. | |||
| Jeff Lowenfels | Rhizophagy, Microplastics, and the Biological Revolution | 24 Apr 2026 | 00:31:04 | |
In this episode of Soil Talks™, we sit down with the "Lord of the Roots" himself, Jeff Lowenfels. As the author of the legendary Teaming with Microbes series, Jeff has spent decades moving the needle from chemical dependency to biological stewardship. We dive deep into the "Poop Loop," the new frontier of the Rhizophagy cycle, and why modern agriculture must transition toward a regenerative, system-based approach to survive. Key topics discussed:
Links:
#SoilTalks #JeffLowenfels #RegenerativeAg #SoilFoodWeb #Rhizophagy #Microbiology #TeamingWithMicrobes #SoilHealth | |||
| Beyond NPK |The Soil Architect's Blueprint for Doubling Yields with Neal Kinsey | 17 Apr 2026 | 01:51:47 | |
In this episode, we dive deep into the "Blueprint of the Earth" with the soil architect himself, Neal Kinsey. Neal shares over 50 years of wisdom inherited directly from Dr. William Albrecht, challenging the modern "NPK-only" mindset that leaves growers with declining yields and unbalanced soil. We explore why standard soil tests often fail by stopping at pH, the critical role of calcium as the "doorman" for all other nutrients, and how balancing base saturations can transform even "dead" or sandy ground into highly productive land. Whether you are dealing with heavy clay gumbo or light sands, Neil explains how to prioritize feeding the soil so the soil can feed the plant. Key Discussion Points
#SoilTalks #NealKinsey #RegenerativeAg #SoilHealth #BeyondNPK #AlbrechtMethod #SoilTesting #BaseSaturation #AgriculturalYield #SustainableFarming #SoilBiology #Agronomy
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| Unlocking the Soil Vault: Beyond NPK with Matt Slaughter | 10 Apr 2026 | 00:52:14 | |
Is your soil a locked vault? Most farmers are sitting on a fortune of nutrients they can't actually use. In this episode of Soil Talks, we’re joined by Matt Slaughter, owner of Earthfort, to dismantle the biggest myths in modern agriculture. Matt reveals why your crops might be starving even if your chemical tests show "plenty of nutrients," and why shifting from a chemical-first to a biological-first mindset is the final frontier of farming. We go deep into the "Ground Truth" of soil microbiology, moving past the NPK treadmill to look at the living systems that actually drive profitability. In this episode, we discuss:
Connect with Matt Slaughter:
Connect with Soil Talks:
If you found value in this episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share it with a fellow producer. Let’s bring the truth back to the soil. | |||
| Matt Powers: The Rhizophagy Cycle & Why Plants Eat Bacteria | 03 Apr 2026 | 01:33:58 | |
What if everything we knew about how plants "eat" was only half the story? In this episode of Soil Talks, we are joined by world-renowned permaculture educator Matt Powers to discuss the revolutionary Rhizophagy Cycle. Matt breaks down the "Soil Food Web 2.0," explaining the microscopic process where plants literally consume bacteria to trigger root growth and nutrient uptake. We move beyond basic sustainability into the high-level science of DNA testing, advanced microscopy, and why "sustainable" is no longer the goal regeneration is. Key Topics in this Episode:
Whether you are a backyard gardener or a large-scale farmer, this conversation provides the scientific "common sense" needed to restore your land and grow the healthiest food possible. 00:00 – Introduction: Moving Beyond Sustainable to Regenerative 04:15 – Matt Powers’ "Aha Moment": From Music and Teaching to Soil 08:30 – Redefining Permaculture: Future Care and Independence 13:10 – Why We Must Teach Regenerative Science to K-12 Students 17:45 – The Rhizophagy Cycle: How Plants Consume Microbes 21:30 – Lessons from Dr. Elaine Ingham & Dr. James White 26:40 – Microscopy for Beginners: Identifying Soil Structure and Life 32:15 – The Truth About Glyphosate and Soil Residues 38:50 – DNA Testing vs. Microscopy: Choosing the Right Tools 45:10 – Building a Global Regenerative Community #MattPowers #RegenerativeSoil #SoilFoodWeb #Permaculture #Rhizophagy #SoilMicroscopy #CitizenScience #HealthySoil #RegenerativeAgriculture #Microbiology Links
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| Your Soil Test is Already Outdated. (Here’s Why) | Laura Decker | 27 Mar 2026 | 01:36:50 | |
Stop waiting weeks for lab results while your crop’s window of opportunity closes. Most soil recommendations are based on samples that are days or even weeks old. But soil isn’t a static chemistry set; it’s a living biological engine. In this episode of Soil Talks™ Podcast, we sit down with Laura Decker, CEO of Prolific Earth Sciences, to reveal why traditional soil testing often misses the mark and how the Microbiometer® is giving growers real-time data to slash input costs and boost resilience. At Rocky Mountain BioAg®, we believe in a Biological… Beyond Organic® approach. If you aren't measuring your microbial biomass in the field, you aren't seeing the full picture of your farm's potential. Learn more & Get Started: ▶ Get the Microbiometer here: https://www.rockymountainbioag.com ▶ Explore Biological Solutions: ▶ Join the Community: #SoilTalks TIMESTAMPS: The "Retention Engine"00:00 The "Mail Truck" Problem: Why your samples die in transit. 02:15 Meet Laura Decker: From Immunology to the Soil Revolution. 07:42 Why NPK-only farming is an "Economic Trap." 13:40 The "Drug Addict" Analogy: Transitioning off conventional inputs. 17:18 How to pronounce "Microbiometer" (and why it matters). 20:13 The Science of "Sticky" Soil: What Glomalin tells you about profit. 24:51 Why your Agronomist might be missing the biological "Missing Link." 31:27 The 104°F Death Zone: The truth about lab sample handling. 46:05 Data vs. Understanding: How to read your soil’s heartbeat. #SoilHealth #RegenerativeAgriculture #AgTech #Microbiometer #RockyMountainBioAg #SoilTalks #FarmerProfit #SoilBiology #SustainableAg | |||
| Your Crops Aren’t Sick, They’re Dependent | John Kempf | 20 Mar 2026 | 01:00:37 | |
For decades, agriculture has been built on a simple idea: If something goes wrong… apply more inputs. More fertilizer. But what if that entire model is flawed? In this episode of Soil Talks™, John Kempf breaks down a radically different way to think about crop health, soil biology, and system function. We dig into: • Why pests may not be attacking your crops but reporting a deeper issue This isn’t about organic vs conventional. It’s about understanding how biological systems actually function. Because the real question isn’t: “How do we fix sick crops?” It’s: “Why are they getting sick in the first place?” — 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts — Connect with John Kempf: — Follow Soil Talks™: — If this episode challenged how you think about agriculture, share it with someone who needs to hear it. #SoilHealth #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilBiology #Farming #Agronomy #PlantHealth #Podcast | |||
| What Soil Tests Miss: The Biology Driving Real Soil Fertility | Dr. Lance Gunderson | 13 Mar 2026 | 00:33:26 | |
If soil is the engine of agriculture, how do we measure its performance? For decades, agriculture has treated soil like a chemistry set. Measure nitrogen. Adjust phosphorus. Balance potassium. But soil is not a sterile laboratory. It is a living biological engine. In this episode of Soil Talks™ Podcast, Brandon Kail sits down with Dr. Lance Gunderson, president of Regen Ag Lab and one of the most experienced soil microbiology interpreters in agriculture today. With over 100,000 soil samples analyzed, Lance explains why traditional soil tests often miss the most important part of soil function: biology. We break down: • Why the soil microbiome controls nutrient availability If soil is the engine of agriculture, this episode shows how to finally look under the hood. Because soil health isn't just chemistry. It's biology, structure, water, and time working together. 🎧 Share, Like & Subscribe to the Soil Talks™ Podcast Contact Dr. Gunderson at https://regenaglab.com Learn more with The Biological...Beyond Organic® Fundamentals Course #soilhealth #soilbiology #soilmicrobiome #soiltesting | |||