Soil fertility and management practices are deeply interconnected, yet the direction of this relationship—whether soil fertility drives management or management dictates soil fertility—remains a key question for sustainable agriculture. This seminar will explore this dynamic interplay through the lens of soil biogeochemistry, focusing on strategies to optimize the efficacy of nutrient management—amidst changing farming practices and weather fluctuations. Drawing on my research in understanding the effect of different soil amendments and management on soil-plant-environment continuum across diverse agroecosystems, I will discuss how understanding biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and other elements can inform sustainable soil-crop nutrient management practices. Also, building on my recent work advancing cover crop-based production systems, I will highlight emerging opportunities for adapting nutrient management to dynamic agricultural practices and environmental conditions. The seminar will highlight my vision for innovative strategies, data-driven modeling approaches and farmers’ informed research for improving fertilizer efficacy while maintaining farm profitability and minimizing environmental impacts. I will discuss my vision for developing and delivering adaptive nutrient management frameworks through active farmer engagement, enabling producers across Indiana and beyond to optimize fertilizer efficiency, maximize profitability, and enhance soil health while responding to the dynamic challenges of contemporary agriculture.