Exploring ways that plants can be used to build a healthy soil in agricultural, horticultural, and home gardening systems.
Crops take nutrients off the farm. Can food-waste biostimulants bring them back? Are they worth your time and money? In this episode I’ll dig in to nutrient imports, exports, how you can calculate the flows on your farm, and whether it’s worth trying some of the many products hitting the market.
Upcoming: Foothills County talk (south of Calgary, AB) Dec 11/25
The Builder, The Banker, The Brewer
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-builder-the-banker-the-brewer-tickets-1968841229116
Transcript with links to everything mentioned in theepisode:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/what-leaves-the-farm-what-comes-back
Newsletter signup:
https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletterhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752
YouTube: (Company):
https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie
Podcast:
https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie(Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in yourfavourite app.)
Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for ClimateSmart Agriculture
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books
Consulting packages:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting
Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking
Funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork
Email:
[email protected]
Call/text/WhatsApp:
403-654-3096
LinkedIn (Scott):
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/
LinkedIn (Company):
https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil
Soil testing isn’t an expense—it’s an investment. In my latest Better Farming Prairies article, I share how a few dollars per acre in testing can save thousands in fertilizer costs and help you make smarter, better-timed decisions. Read “Test Smarter to Spend Less” to see how good data pays off in the field.
#RealisticRegenAg #SoilTesting #PrecisionAgriculture #FertilizerEfficiency #SustainableFarming #ClimateSmartAgriculture
Transcript with links to everything mentioned in the episode:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/test-smarter-spend-less
Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752
YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast: https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie (Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in your favourite app.)
Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books
Consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting
Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking
Funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork Email: [email protected]
Call/text/WhatsApp:403-654-3096
LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil
Prairie farmers are skeptical of “soil health” as justanother buzzword — but what if data could make it practical?
This episode explores mapping tools, farmer perspectives, and what resilience really looks like in the field.
Transcript with links to everything mentioned in theepisode:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/mapping-soil-health
Newsletter signup:
https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletterhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752
YouTube: (Company):
https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie
Podcast:
https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie(Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in your favourite app.)
Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for ClimateSmart Agriculture
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books
Consulting packages:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting
Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking
Funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperworkEmail:
[email protected]
Call/text/WhatsApp:
403-654-3096 LinkedIn (Scott):
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/
LinkedIn (Company):
https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil
Do you bale your straw or keep it? The basic concept is to ask whether it is helping or hindering you. If baling will remove soil armor and allow rains to erode your land, leave it. If it’s causing issues at seeding time, bale some of it.
Transcript with links to everything mentioned in the episode:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/when-to-bale-your-straw
Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752
YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie (Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in your favourite app.)
Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books
Consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting
Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking
Funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork
Email: [email protected]
Call/text/WhatsApp:403-654-3096
LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil
In this edition I talk about how I evaluate new agricultural practices and tools before recommending them to clients. From the challenges of staying current to the importance of third-party data, I share my approach to separating useful innovation from flashy distractions.
Transcript with links to everything mentioned in the episode: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/testing-new-practices
Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752
YouTube: (Company):
https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie
Podcast:
https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie (Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in your favourite app.)
Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books
Consulting packages:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting
Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking
Funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork
Email:
Call/text/WhatsApp:
403-654-3096
LinkedIn (Scott):
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil
In this episode, I dive into what I’ve learned from applying organic weed control methods in my own garden—from stale seedbeds to blind cultivation—and how those lessons connect to what I see in prairie agriculture. I also reflect on my latest Better Farming Prairies article, which explores modern weed control tools that can reduce herbicide use without reversing no-till gains. Plus, I highlight some excellent resources on ecological weed management and emerging weed recognition technologies.
Transcript with links to everything mentioned in the episode:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/organic-weed-control
Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752
YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie Podcast: https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie (Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in your favourite app.)
Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books
Consulting packages: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting
Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking
Funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork
Email: [email protected]
Call/text/WhatsApp:403-654-3096
LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil
Are tillage and soil carbon compatible? Agronomist andauthor Scott Gillespie shares insights from his new article Soil Carbon & Tillage: Eat Your Cake and Have it Too.” Also – lessons from polycrop systems, organic fertility strategies, and the surprising connection between cultural heritage and forgotten crop varieties.
Transcript with links to everything mentioned in the episode:https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/soil-carbon-and-tillage
Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletterhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752
YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie
Podcast:
https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie(Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in your favourite app.)
Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books
Consulting packages:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting
Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking
Funding service offerings: https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork
Email:
[email protected]
Call/text/WhatsApp:
403-654-3096
LinkedIn (Scott):
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/
LinkedIn (Company):
https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil
Do you need livestock to build soil health? Agronomist and author Scott Gillespie digs into recent research on grazing cover crops, biomass thresholds, and fungal networks—challenging some of the more popular narratives in regenerative ag. Plus: funding program updates, writing news, and practical insight for Prairie producers.
Transcript with links to everything mentioned in the episode:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/no-cows-no-problem
Newsletter signup:
https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752
YouTube: (Company):
https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie
Podcast:
https://anchor.fm/scottcgillespie
(Look below Spotify for other apps or just search “Plants Dig Soil” in your favourite app.)
Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books
Consulting packages:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting
Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking
Funding service offerings:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork
Email:
Call/text/WhatsApp:
403-654-3096
LinkedIn (Scott):
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/
LinkedIn (Company):
https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil
Plants Dig Soil
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/
Newsletter signup:
https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752
Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books
My consulting packages:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting
Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking
My funding service offerings:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork
SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx
OFCAF program details https://rdar.ca/funding-opportunities/ofcaf
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil
#RealisticRegenAg | Welcome to the final newsletter of the year!
As mentioned previously, I’ll be taking a break over the holiday season but will return in early February. If you’re in southern Alberta and would like to connect before then, I’ll be at the Irrigated Crop Production Update on January 23rd in Lethbridge. You’ll find the registration link included in this email.
This month, I’m diving deeper into the topic of #RealisticRegenAg with just four articles that explore it in greater detail. Along with summaries and my own thoughts, I encourage you to save these articles in your favourite reading app and take the time to explore them fully.
Speaking of reading—if you haven’t had a chance to pick up my book yet, now’s the perfect time! Winter is ideal for catching up on the reading you meant to do over the summer. Scroll to the bottom of this email for a link to all the ways you can get a copy—locally, online, or as an e-reader version for your favourite app.
Transcript (with links to articles):
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/the-cover-crop-disconnect
Newsletter signup:
https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752
Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books
My consulting packages:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting
Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking
My funding service offerings:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork
SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx
OFCAF program details https://rdar.ca/funding-opportunities/ofcaf
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil
YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie
Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie
#RealisticRegenAg | As the season winds down here in southern Alberta, I’ve been busy teaching both diploma and degree students at Lethbridge Polytechnic (formerly Lethbridge College). As is my annual tradition, I’ll be slowing down my newsletter and podcast production during the fall and taking an extended break over the holiday season. You can expect one final newsletter in early December, with the next edition coming your way in February.
Transcript (with links to articles):
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/podcast/plant-genetics-drive-microbes
Newsletter signup:
https://mailchi.mp/plantsdigsoil/newsletter
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6944029544697802752
Practical Regeneration: Realistic Strategies for Climate Smart Agriculture
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/books
My consulting packages:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#consulting
Speaking, Teaching, & Workshop Design:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/speaking
My funding service offerings:
https://www.plantsdigsoil.com/pricing/#paperwork
SCAP program details https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx
OFCAF program details https://rdar.ca/funding-opportunities/ofcaf
Email: [email protected]
X (aka Twitter) (Scott): https://twitter.com/scottcgillespie
X (aka Twitter) (Company): https://twitter.com/PlantsDigSoil
LinkedIn (Scott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcgillespie/
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/plants-dig-soil
YouTube: (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@scottcgillespie
Podcast Subscription Apps: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scottcgillespie