Nutrien potash donation supports research at long-term partner universities

Published: Nov 27, 2023

When our partners succeed, we succeed.

For many years, Nutrien has partnered with Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the University of Illinois’ College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) to donate potash fertilizer in support of crop and soil research at the two institutions.

“We consider universities key partners in developing science-based nutrient-management guidelines. They help educate our customers, conduct research on fertilizer use and management and evaluate new technologies,” says Nutrien Senior Agronomist Dr. Alan Blaylock. “It gives us great satisfaction to nurture our relationships by engaging with them and supporting their work as they contribute to our success and the success of our grower customers.”

This year, we donated 100 US short tons of 0-0-60 potash fertilizer to Iowa State University and 118 tons to the University of Illinois, but our partnerships go back a long time.

For more than 30 years, Nutrien has partnered with the University of Illinois and donated more than 6,000 tons of potash to help support the university’s agronomic research at its research and education centers, both on and off campus.

“The University of Illinois Crop Sciences in the College of ACES has benefited greatly from the relationship with Nutrien,” says Darin Joos, Senior Research Specialist at the University of Illinois. “With our research enterprise largely funded by crop sales, this support has been invaluable.”

Nutrien has also partnered with Iowa State University for more than 10 years with potash donations that are used to support long-term corn and soybean research related to soil fertility and management.

“Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences greatly appreciates our partnership with Nutrien,” says Tim Goode, Farms Manager at Iowa State University. “In the current times of research funding uncertainty, variable grain prices and rising costs, this donation is very important for continuing our work.”

Iowa State University has many research and demonstration farms, and this donation supports its long-term research studies, two of which were conducted from 1994 through 2018: Evaluation of Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizer Placement Methods and Tillage Systems for Corn and Soybean During 25 years in Northeast Iowa Soil and Long-Term Phosphorus and Potassium Placement Methods and Application Rates for Corn and Soybean Managed with No-Tillage and Tillage.

Hear from members of our Sales team about why these partnerships and research are important to Nutrien and the agriculture industry:

• “Agriculture is such a small community, and we work together, always striving to do better than we have before,” says Sean Goretskie, National Account Sales Manager, Illinois. “I think the research being done at our land grant universities within the Corn Belt are critical to us to help produce better yields while also being better stewards of the land. I am proud Nutrien provides support to continue this valuable research.”
• “Nutrien is proud to support Iowa State University with donations of potash fertilizer,” says Tim Smith, Senior National Sales Manager, Iowa. “ISU’s ongoing research helps promote environmentally safe, efficient and sustainable fertilizer application to Iowa’s farmers.”
• “I am very pleased and proud that Nutrien supports and works closely with the universities in providing knowledge regarding best practices for maximizing yield while also being responsible managers of the land,” says Paul Whitworth, Senior National Sales Manager, Illinois.