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Nitrogen management continues to be one of the most influential and challenging aspects of crop production. N Is for Nitrogen 3.0 builds on previous series to deliver an applied, BC-specific exploration of nitrogen dynamics, crop demand, and management strategies that support productivity while minimizing environmental risk.

This three-part webinar series moves from foundational nitrogen science to crop-specific strategies and real-world case studies. Participants will strengthen their ability to assess nitrogen supply and demand, select appropriate nutrient sources, and make informed management decisions across low-, medium-, and high-nitrogen-demand cropping systems.

Part One: Understanding Nitrogen in Agricultural Systems

February 3, 2026, 12 - 1pm

Part One revisits the fundamentals of nitrogen behaviour in agricultural soils, with a focus on practical implications for crop production and environmental protection.

Topics include:

• Key forms of nitrogen in agricultural systems and how they behave in soil

• Why nitrogen is critical for crop growth and yield

• Sources of nitrogen available for plant uptake

• Biological nitrogen fixation and its role in cropping systems

• Soil organic matter as a major nitrogen reservoir and contributor to plant nutrition

• Common pathways of nitrogen loss and strategies to minimize environmental impacts

This session provides the foundation needed to evaluate nitrogen supply, anticipate losses, and understand how management decisions influence both crops and the environment.

Part Two: Matching Nitrogen Supply to Crop Demand

February 10, 2026, 12 - 1pm

Part Two focuses on meeting but not exceeding crop nitrogen requirements using crop-specific examples and applied management strategies.

Using three representative cropping systems, this session explores:

• Low nitrogen input systems (e.g., vineyards)

• Medium nitrogen input systems (e.g., commercial vegetable production)

• High nitrogen input systems (e.g., silage corn)

For each crop type, participants will work through:

• Determining crop nitrogen requirements

• Interpreting soil test results and the role of post-harvest soil testing

• Estimating nitrogen contributions from soil organic matter and strategies to increase those contributions

• The use of legumes and their nitrogen contribution

• Meeting crop needs using organic sources (manure, compost) and inorganic fertilizers

• Evaluating relative risks of nitrogen loss and relevant environmental pathways

This session emphasizes practical decision-making to optimize nitrogen use efficiency while reducing losses to air and water.

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Part Three: Case Studies and Special Topics in Nitrogen Management

Part Three brings the series together through real-world case studies and participant-driven discussion. Topics will be selected based on audience interests and challenges.

Potential focus areas include:

• Complex nutrient management scenarios

• Integrating fertilizing residuals into nutrient plans

• Managing nitrogen under regulatory constraints

• Addressing site-specific risks and environmental sensitivities

Participants are encouraged to submit nitrogen management case studies or topic suggestions prior to the first session to help shape this discussion-based webinar.

Register Separately HERE

About the Presenter

Ruth McDougall, M.Sc., PAg. is a recognized expert in British Columbia in on-farm nitrogen and phosphorus management, soil fertility, and the beneficial reuse of fertilizing residuals. She prepares Nutrient Management Plans for a wide range of agricultural operations and has authored multiple BC-specific guideline documents on nutrient use.

Ruth is certified by the BC Ministry of Agriculture as a Nutrient Management Planner and has extensive experience with municipal biosolids, wastewater treatment effluent, livestock waste, compost, and other residuals. Her work spans agricultural land application, fabricated soils, mine and aggregate site reclamation, landfill closure, and composting systems, with deep knowledge of BC’s environmental regulations.

This event is supported by the Climate Agri-Solutions Fund (CAF). Funding for the CAF has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund. CAF is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation. To learn more, visit www.bccaf.ca

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