Soil health Archives - Page 14 of 24

Here is a soil core laid out for sampling. Soil samples collected for soil nutrient analyses should be placed in breathable bags. In this picture, soil moisture samples were being collected and placed in stainless steel containers to precisely determine soil moisture content.

The importance of soil testing after a season of drought

Develop sound, economical fertilizer plans for each crop and field

By Ross H. McKenzie October 17, 2023

In my last article, I discussed concerns of herbicide residue carry-over after a season of drought. In this article, I will discuss the importance of soil testing for plant-available nutrients after a drier-than-normal growing season. Many farmers in the southern Prairies had below normal growing season rainfall, while some had almost no rain. The result […] Read more

Robert Misko with his children and grandchildren. From left to right: Courtney Misko, Robert Misko, Brittany Busch, Robbie Misko, Jaxon Busch (green shirt) and Torin Busch (blue shirt). Missing is Leifa Misko.

Features

Lifelong learning on the Misko farm

Prairie Farms: Knowledge and efficiency are key for this Manitoba farm operation

By Braden Hursh October 16, 2023

The Prairie Farms feature is an ongoing series that highlights western Canadian producers and their farm operations. These producer and farm profiles will share the strategies, tips and experiences that have helped Prairie farmers be successful. Along with crop production strategies, this Q-and-A series will look at the personalities and lifestyles of farmers across Western […] Read more

Editor's column, Wheat & Chaff

Meet your Soil Champions

By Kari Belanger October 12, 2023

At Ag in Motion 2023, the Soil Conservation Council of Canada (SCCC) announced a new initiative — a committee of “Soil Champions.” These soil champions are tasked with conveying a soil health message beyond the farm to the broader agricultural industry, food processors, consumers and the government. Their message: the importance of soil conservation. They […] Read more

A strip tiller in action on a Farming Smarter field near Lethbridge, Alta.

Crops, Equipment

Let’s talk strip tillage

An Alberta farmer shares his experiences with the system that provides a middle ground between full till and no till

By Mark Halsall October 12, 2023

John Kolk’s farm near Enchant in southern Alberta, like many others in his area, sits on light, sandy loam soil. That can be a problem come planting time when strong chinook winds roll down from the Rockies as they typically do in the spring. Kolk says the combination of hard-blowing winds and sand that’s whipped […] Read more

File photo of an old-school hand-operated pump on a rural Alberta property.

Columns

Digging wells and finding water

Where to find the information you need before digging

By Les Henry September 30, 2023

Unfortunately, by the time this issue hits your mailbox, many farmers will have the slim pickings of 2023 in the bin or bales. It has been especially brutal for cattle folks who have little hay to bale and face the awful decision of downsizing herds, including the loss of genetics built up over many decades. […] Read more

Purple sage is a woody shrub with beautiful, aromatic flowers and is easy to grow.

Farm Life

Medicinal merits of sage

Popular herb used for centuries to help ease cold and flu symptoms

By Ted Meseyton September 29, 2023

Howdy, good people and how-do y’all. Welcome again to Grainews country. For some gardeners and farmers, the harvest season is done. For others, there’s very little or no harvest left to be done. How have things been where you are? Let me know, should you care to share. I often sing about weather and climate […] Read more

Winter feeding bison on top of a patch of foxtail barley has been an effective way for Jacques Saquet to control the weed.

Cattleman’s Corner

Applying management to pasture weed control

Maintaining a healthy forage stand is best defence against weeds

By Lee Hart September 28, 2023

Peter Tokar and Jacques Saquet are two Manitoba livestock producers who have applied changes in management practices to help control some particularly difficult pasture weed infestations. Tokar, who owns a mixed farm — primarily a beef cow-calf operation — near Swan River in west-central Manitoba, deals with patches of burdock on his pastures. Saquet, who […] Read more

Columns

Herbicide carry-over concerns on the Prairies

By Ross H. McKenzie September 26, 2023

The 2023 growing season was drier and warmer than normal resulting in lower-than-normal crop yields over much of the Prairies. The worst affected areas are in the Brown and Dark Brown soil zones. Figure 1 shows an Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada map of soil moisture conditions across the Prairies at the end of July 2023. […] Read more

Results from the study show biological nitrogen fixation from pulse crops such as peas and lentils can help reduce the amount of mineral nitrogen fertilizer inputs required.

Features, Soybean Guide 2023

More bang for your fertilizer buck

Study provides more proof that pulse crops contribute to nitrogen use efficiency

By Jim Timlick September 25, 2023

Canadian farmers are expected to spend a record $23.1 billion on inputs in 2023, so they will be looking to get the most bang for their buck when it comes to fertilizer. A recent western Canadian study could make that task a little easier in the not-too-distant future. The Resilient Rotations project is a comprehensive, […] Read more

Overall, biologicals tend to be more effective in marginal soils and under stressful conditions. When talking about crop types, vegetables and pulse crops have been shown to have a high response to biologicals while cereals generally have a moderate response.

Crops, Wheat & Chaff

Biologicals and soil health

Q & A with an expert

By Sola Ajiboye September 21, 2023

Q: What are biologicals and how do they work? A: Have you ever thought about the link between biologicals and soil health? If your answer is yes, you are not alone. This article will attempt to clear up some confusion around biologicals and how they improve soil health, with some insights on when and where […] Read more

U.S. criticizes Mexico’s handling of screwworm near border

U.S. grains: Soybean futures edge up as Argentina ends export tax waiver

U.S. livestock: Hog futures hit contract high, herd falls short of estimates

GFM Network News