The sample

If you’re taking your own samples, here are a few tips:

Test annually. Nutrient levels change according to crop yields and fertilizer application. The soil sample is the account balance.

Use GPS to mark where the samples are taken so that future sampling is based on those same points within the field or the zone.

Make sure you get an accurate representation of the field. Consider using electro conductivity, yield maps, satellite imagery, vegetative index or topography to identify different management zones in the fields. Using soil sample information, you can manage those zones separately within the field boundary

Look at sample analysis from both a zero to six-inch depth and the six- to 24-inch depth. Subsoil information from the lower depth will provide good soil quality indicators.

The report

Once you get your report results, there are several things to consider.

Soil sample reports may include the lab’s recommendations. This is good place to start, but local knowledge and field experience can make recommendations more accurate for your field.

Consider the “low”, “medium” and “high” rating for each nutrient as an indication of levels, rather than an absolute number. Think of it as eyeing the levels on a measuring stick, rather than worrying about exactly how many litres of oil are in the tank.

The soil test report will include quantity and quality values. Quantity values measure nutrients in the soil that are available to the plant. Quality values are indicators of the ability of the soil to provide those nutrients to the plants. Very high or excess nutrient values can cause problems with other nutrient availability in the soil.

We look at is the sodium and sulphur levels in the subsoil. High levels are a good indication of a solonetzic sub soil. The field will have a hardpan that may require deep ripping and or lime application to improve the soil quality and crop yields.

When I get soil sample results, I check to see if the numbers follow the same trends as other fields in the area. If there are regional similarities, I want to see if the trends are similar. Typically pH, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) will be at similar levels throughout in an area. This indicates that the soil parent material and the natural makeup of the soil are alike.

Understand the lab’s calculations. For example, cation exchange capacity gives an indication of the soil’s ability to hold nutrients, water and organic matter.

I like to see the Percent Base Saturations on the soil test report and check percentages of the cations potassium (K), Mg, Ca, hydrogen (H), and sodium (Na). There are limitations to creating the ideal ratio of cations: specific product availability, application equipment and guaranteed economic return.

Consider ratios. For example, the K:Mg ratio calculation on the soil test helps you understand potassium availability. If the K:Mg ratio is out of range, availability of either nutrient may be affected.

It is worthwhile testing micronutrients regularly as a guideline, so you know what to test for when you’re doing tissue analysis. Having the lab indicate the range for the micros is important. For some micronutrients, we are looking at a very small amount. The difference between deficient and sufficient can be one or two parts per million. Crop response to micronutrients can be crop specific — certain crop show higher responses to micronutrient applications. A good level for one micronutrient on a certain crop might be too low for optimum crop potential.

When looking at micronutrients it is also important to also understand the relation of nutrients to each other. Sometimes a high level of one nutrient will affect the availability of another, leaving the plant with limited availability. Consider addressing micronutrients to fields that need them most and are likely to provide the greatest response.

When I go through soil sample reports with farmers, I like to look at all of the fields together. I place the test report values in spreadsheet columns, then look at average values for each column. We look at the highest and lowest 20 per cent of the fields, to see if anything interesting explains differences in the field productivity. It’s helpful to also have past yield information.

Agronomists

There can be benefits to working with an agronomist. Someone with experience who sees a lot of samples can help you appreciate the differences in values and the relevance of your own information.

The agronomist should be very familiar with the specific technique of the lab that has done the analysis — each lab presents soil results in a slightly different way. It is very common for two different labs to give different reports for samples taken from the same field.

Two agronomists may make two different recommendations when looking at the same soil test report. Each agronomist will have their own philosophy when making recommendations, and should be able to explain the theory behind the recommendations. †

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Most of my discussions with farmers are focused on spraying as a direct control measure. Don’t overlook everything else that must be done as part of an integrated pest management program before taking the last option of using in-crop insecticides.

Here is a list of things to consider as part of your insect management plant.

1. Acceptable population levels

Before you spray, make sure you know the acceptable level of the pest population — a few pests will always be present.

Make regular field observations to monitor the pest population and properly identify most of the insects.

2. Farming practices

Are you presenting a smorgasbord of food with no barriers to the incoming pest invasion or do you have prevention program in place that makes the neighbours’ fields an easier target?

Making the crop less of a target should be at least one goal when managing insects.

I would like to see more use of trap crops in insect management.

A trap crop may be a strip of alfalfa seeded on the edges a canola field as a trap crop for lygus bugs. Instead of spraying the canola, monitor the alfalfa strips and spray it for insects.

Alfalfa strips may also be used as a breeding ground for beneficial insects that can help keep pest populations in check.

Healthy crops may be another part of the plan. An observation from the field is that crops under stress take a bigger hit from pest insects than those that are not showing signs of stress. Higher insect counts are more likely in areas of the field that are growing poorly than in heavy crop. Does good plant nutrition have an effect on the crops response to insect pest attack?

We do know that plant stresses are cumulative. Plants that are already suffering from adverse weather, lack of nutrition and then added insect damage the plants will have a hard time recovering or growing through it.

We believe that if canola is not getting enough boron it may cause terminal bud death and will try to branch out around that bud. The question might be does a temporal nutrient deficiency plus a few too many lygus bugs at budding stage have a combine effect that causes a greater problem?

3. Economic thresholds

Economic thresholds for insect control change based on current crop value and anticipated control cost. A higher value crop requires fewer pest insects to make it worthwhile to apply a control measure that reduces the potential damage to the crop.

Economic threshold charts are available online. Look for updated versions with current crop prices.

4. Scouting

Scout fields at regular intervals and check that populations are building if planning to spray insecticide. Consistent checks in the same areas and at similar time of day will help. Windy days may give you different counts than on calmer days, temperature is a factor when scouting for insects, and insects are usually less active at cooler temperatures. The key is to control insects when they have reached at economic threshold counts on average counts across the field.

When scouting for insects don’t miss the forest for the trees. It is very easy to be focused on looking for a specific insect pest when using the sweep nets or walking in the field. You might miss other insect activity that is going on around. Other insects that are not pest are likely beneficial insects helping with the whole crop ecosystem — pollinators, or insect predators that hunt for and prey on other insects.

5. Application timing

Optimum application timing of insecticides can make the difference between money well spent and crisis averted or basically a revenge spray that kills the pest but long after the damage has been done.

One discussion regarding application timing is about spraying an insecticide on canola at budding, especially for lygus bugs. Our experience seems to provide evidence that if lygus bugs are present at the bud stage and the canola plants struggle to produce proper flower buds, spraying an insecticide does relieve some of the pressure on the plant so that it can produce flower buds.

The key is to check canola at the bud stage and determine if budding and flowering is progressing properly and, if not, what might be holding it back.

We do see quite a few farmers doing prophylactic spraying for flea beetles in canola who maintain they are also controlling other insect pests like lygus bugs and diamond back larvae early. The question is how many insect pest predators also get wiped out when spraying for pest insects that may or may not be there that early?

6. Population data

Forecast Maps and Monitoring Networks provide calculated information on many insect pests based on pheromone bait traps, insect count surveys, and early warning monitoring sites. Check this information as standard practice to prepare for anticipated problems along with your own in-field monitoring program.

7. Pre-harvest interval

In 2012, many farmers checked their canola for swathing stage and realized they had a bertha armyworm outbreak. We had several calls from farmers in this situation, wondering what insecticide they could use, or if they should even be spraying at all, that late in the season.

The pre-harvest interval is the numbers of days between product application and either swathing or straight cutting the crop.

With bertha armyworms the damage can be pretty severe and not controlling them even for a few days will cost you some yield. If you didn’t realize you had significant berthas up to a week before the crop is ready to swath, you’ve have lost yield potential.

If you think you’re more than seven days from swathing or straight cutting the crop you have insecticide options that will fit in the pre-harvest interval, check the label to make sure.

Aster yellows

In 2012 monitoring intelligence at the end of May reported high numbers of leaf hoppers moving into the Prairies from the Midwestern states — travelling on wind currents and settling down onto canola and cereal crops with the potential to spread aster yellows disease.

We did see aster yellows in many fields but many farmers were not aware of what was happening to the plants in the field until much later, when infected canola plants were producing pods that looked like deflated bladders instead of seed filled pods. A guaranteed economic return from spraying for leafhoppers is doubtful, even vegetable farmers who spray insecticide on a weekly basis for leaf hoppers will still get some aster yellows infection. There is a lot of work done to prepare forecast maps and provide information to the pest monitoring networks, use them as a resource to plan ahead.

Make an insect management plan that assess factors like economic threshold, optimum application timing, pre-harvest interval, effect on beneficial insects, and making the crop less of a target for pests to help take the uncertainty out of your decision making. †

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Needham discussed strategies and steps to improve wheat yields.

Phil Needham moved from England to the United States in 1989 and has worked with wheat management systems around the world for over 25 years. At the Falher presentation, Needham shared several tips to increase wheat yields.

Soil and tissue testing

Needham recommends implementing a consistent soil and tissue testing program.

Once you have test results, split fields into smaller management zones based on observation and evaluation of field data, including yield information, topography and soil type.

Needham recommends tissue testing wheat at the four-leaf stage. When testing, compare good areas to poor areas to check nutrient levels and evaluate top dress options. Based on Needham’s experience, at the five-leaf stage the wheat plant has to be healthy without any nutrients deficient or out of balance.

With any top dressing program, choose foliar top up products compatible with crop protection products to reduce application costs.

Use tissue tests to identify transient deficiency — the specific demand of a nutrient during reproductive growth or periods of peak demand.

Seed and seed treatments

When you’re choosing seed, pick the right wheat genetics or variety for your farm. Find out what a variety brings to the table and what it doesn’t. Look at each variety’s disease resistance and favourable growth characteristics.

It’s a good idea to evaluate several varieties right on your farm. Needham recommends growers plant as many as six wheat varieties.

Check seed quality and apply seed treatments accurately. Needham has the following tips for seed testing:

Send seed lot samples to an accredited seed lab.

Check seed for germination and vigour. Ask the lab to check vigour with an accelerated aging or cold germ test.

Allow your seed to rest for two months after harvest before sending it for a germination test.

Sort seed for large seed — the goal is seed that doesn’t pass through a 2.5 mm or 6/64 inch sieve. Larger wheat seed has better germination and higher yield potential, especially when planted at greater seeding depth or in cooler soils.

A nutrient, or feed analysis, test on the seed tells you what you have to work with. Compare samples from at least two lots to see which one is better.

If you’re going to use your own production as seed, manage seed fields right from the start. Know which field you’re using to grow a seed crop — don’t just wait until the end of the year to decide which field not to spray with pre harvest glyphosate.

Seed has to have enough nutrients to perform; you may have to prime your seed with micronutrients. Options are to foliar apply micronutrients to the crop in the field, or use a micronutrient seed dressing.

Seed treatments protect roots and early leaves from diseases like seed rots and seedling blights. Seed treatments with both insecticide and fungicide offer complete protection. Seed treating must be done with care and accuracy. Evaluate your seeding treating method and determine if your seed is treated as well as you think it should be. If your seed treating equipment is not achieving your goals, consider upgrading or hiring a custom seed treater.

Needham recommends a rotating barrel-type treater that allows the seed to mix with the treatment, entirely coating each seed.

Seeding

Uniform crop emergence is the goal when it comes to high yield wheat establishment. Needham believes that the top 10 per cent of farmers do the best job of seeding.

First, seed with the right rate. Different wheat varieties have different 1,000 kernel weights. Depending on the year, seed lots can vary by as much as 50 per cent. Check seed counts and target plants per square foot — don’t just use the same old couple bushels per acre seeding rate.

Place seed at the same depth across the whole field to get a picket fence stand of plants. Target uniform seed placement at one inch deep, and seed narrow rows speeds that do not move much soil. To achieve uniformity Needham recommends seeding between the previous crop rows rather than across the rows. Needham promotes seeding wheat at narrow row spacing when targeting higher yields and cited research showing yield advantages from narrower row spacing compared.

Achieve uniform seeding by managing residue flow and residue clearance with seeding equipment and openers.

Needham recommends very low soil disturbance with a narrow opener with little soil movement. He does not recommend side band openers or twin row openers, because he sees increased soil disturbance and more variation in seeding depth.

Needham referenced a study called “Relative Seedling Emergence Patterns” (by Gan, Stobbe and Moes, in “Crop Science,” Vol. 32 Sep-Oct 1992). These researchers found: “Averaged across two years, wheat plants that emerged on Day 1 to Day 3 produced 1.4 times the yield of those which emerged on Days 4 to 6, and 3.2 times the yield of those which emerged on Days 7 to 9.”

Evaluate seed placement performance by monitoring stand counts over the first 10 days as the crop emerges.

Weed control

Weeds have no place in the field. Weeds allowed to grow larger than an inch in size cost yield. Needham believes narrow-seeded rows offer improved crop competition with weeds compared to crops seeded in wider rows.

Manage perennial weeds with glyphosate in the fall prior to seeding the crop.

Pre-seed burn off in the spring with glyphosate and a tank mix partner that targets the weed spectrum present.

Stay on top of weeds with in-crop applications in a timely manner. Choose effective in-crop herbicides that control weeds with least amount of crop damage.

In-crop operations

The right timing of in crop operations is a prime objective in a high yield wheat system. Needham told that audience that, in England, they used to say the difference between a good farmer and a poor farmer was a week. Now, he believes that difference is only couple of days.

Early season foliar diseases at the two- to four-leaf stage warrant early season fungicide application. Use a triazole fungicide application with herbicide. With later season disease evaluate the justification for disease management. Have enough sprayer capacity to spray all the wheat with fungicide on the farm in a five-day window. You will see the best response to fungicide application with on-time spraying.

When spraying fungicides, watch maturities. Triazole products do not extend maturity as much as a strobilurin (or products containing strobilurin fungicides).

When timing fungicide application plan for prevention; protecting the crop before infection is better than relying on curative action after the crop has disease. Look at weather conditions and forecasts to determine if disease pressure is moving towards you.

Needham believes that wheat yield response to fungicide is variety specific.

Apply fertilizer according to yield potential. Start with 90 per cent of nutrients applied for removal, based on a 10 year yield average. Then, if you get rain, put on more fertilizer.

Needham’s recommendation is to apply additional nitrogen after jointing to make more yields and fewer tillers. Understand that too much nitrogen too early in the season will contribute to lodging, so consider reducing the amount of nitrogen placed in the soil at seeding time and post apply nitrogen later in the season when you better understand the crops potential.

Needham does not like to see fall banded nitrogen. Some plants will be seeded right over the nitrogen strip, and that is not good for uniformity. Needham prefers applying the majority of the nutrient within a mid-row band. Use technology that can help apply the right rate to the crop in season. Optical sensor rate controllers on application equipment can help determine the correct rate of in-season nitrogen application.

Crop residue

Manage crop residue correctly starting at the combine the year prior to seeding your wheat crop.

Ideally, evenly spread residue the width of the header. Do not leave any strips of uneven residue spreading in the field.

Needham recommends a high performance chopper like the Redekop MAV chopper — a chopper that provides 100 m.p.h. or more of wind speed — to help distribute straw and chaff (assuming chaff and straw are blended together on a rotary combine).

Needham also recommends using the wind in your favour when harvesting, even changing the direction of combining depending on the direction of the wind at harvest. He is definitely not a fan of harrowing for residue management and recommends buying a better straw spreader rather than a harrow to manage residue.

Needham recommends leaving stubble as high as possible. If you have eight-inch row spacing, you should target no taller than eight-inch high residue.

On seeding equipment, a single narrow point better is best to manage residue. To check residue flow on openers mount a wireless camera to visually see how well the seeding tool is allowing residue to flow around the opener. If you are seeing residue bunching and piling as you’re seeding, you’re not getting optimum residue flow.

Yield goals

To get high wheat yields, you have to know what you are trying to accomplish, evaluate what you are seeing in the field and check to what your goals are.

Gather information and observations from your wheat fields during the growing season. Compare areas with different tiller counts and head counts per square yard and determine what factors caused the variation. How many spikelets per wheat head and how many kernels per spikelet do you get in good areas compared to poor areas?

Of the potential weak links to growing high wheat yields that Phil Needham identified in his presentation, most don’t cost anything to implement. †

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Pre-harvest application

Perennial weeds visible above and in the crop canopy are primary targets for a pre-harvest glyphosate application.

Prior to harvest, short days and cooling temperatures signal perennial weeds to start building root reserves. Glyphosate is a systemic herbicide — it translocates right to the roots where it is most effective. Don’t spray too early. Wait until the weeds are building winter energy stores.

Pre-harvest glyphosate application is appropriate in shorter growing season areas that generally have less time prior to a killing frost or even early snow cover for post-harvest applications. Pre-harvest glyphosate applications also make the most of the larger amount of foliage prior to harvest, able to capture the spray droplets and result in improved uptake by the plant. Canada thistle and quackgrass are ideal target weeds.

Keep in mind, pre-harvest glyphosate is primarily for perennial weed control. Don’t expect glyphosate to act like a desiccant to dry down green plant material. For pre-harvest glyphosate to work according to expectations, the recommendation is to apply to actively growing weeds and ensure that application is not significantly impaired by the crop canopy. Some weeds are better targeted post harvest, after they have been clipped and allowed to regrow.

Post-harvest application

Weeds growing closer to the ground under a dense crop canopy and now exposed after harvest are ideal targets for post-harvest glyphosate application.

These weeds need sufficient actively growing, residue-free leaf material to absorb the maximum amount of glyphosate. The key is to check for leaf condition and active growth, indicating prime environment for glyphosate translocation to the root material.

With cooler fall temperatures, weeds require time to generate enough new growth necessary for glyphosate uptake. Consider using a tank mix partner with glyphosate post-harvest for improved control, or to provide residual control, keeping cropping rotation restrictions in mind. Minor frost may actually improve glyphosate efficacy post-harvest, but always spray during the day when weeds are actively growing.

Controlling volunteer crops post-harvest may be effective to prevent insect and disease pests from surviving from one year to the next on living plant material. Foxtail barley, dandelions and winter annuals are target weeds post-harvest.

Winter annuals germinate in the fall, growing right up until the ground freezes. Winter annuals include stinkweed, shepherds purse, cleavers, narrow-leaved hawks beard, storks bill, chickweed and flixweed. A pre-seed burn off with glyphosate will also control winter annuals.

Pre-seed application

Overwintering annuals and spring germinating weeds that present prior to crop establishment are targets for a pre-seed application of glyphosate. The goal is to have no weeds in the field before crop emergence, as weeds will be very competitive and harder to kill than weeds that germinate with or later than the crop.

Perennial weeds that missed a fall glyphosate application will not be effectively controlled with spring glyphosate application. In the spring, perennial weeds are moving energy out of the roots. At best, glyphosate may only provide top growth control. On its own, glyphosate will not control volunteer glyphosate tolerant canola.

If this is the target weed, consider a tank mix partner that will act on the volunteer canola. Glyphosate tank mix partners can improve efficacy and are part of good stewardship that includes herbicide group rotation.

If few weeds have emerged when you’re ready to seed, consider a tank mix partner with a residual product to provide extended control. Watch cropping restrictions on residual products.

Pre-emergent application

The clock is ticking if you’re waiting to spray a glyphosate burn off on a non-glyphosate tolerant crop in the pre-emerge stage. It can be done, but the pressure is on to ensure the sprayer beats the crop before it emerges. Fields seeded without a pre-seed burn off will still have overwintering annuals and spring germinating weeds. The recommendation is to control these weeds with the pre-emerge glyphosate as soon after seeding as possible or get caught trying to take down oversize weeds.

In-crop application

Plan to make in-crop applications on glyphosate tolerant crops early, when the crop is at the one- to two-leaf stage. Early emerging weeds have more impact on yield than weeds that emerge after the crop reaches the four- to six-leaf stage. Volunteer cereals and wild oats may have a second flush after the initial application.

To check if a second pass of glyphosate is required, scout the field 10 days after the first application, giving the glyphosate time to show signs of activity and for new weeds to emerge. If you are planning more than one in-crop glyphosate application, be cautious with crop staging and total rates of product applied. Spraying glyphosate on current varieties of glyphosate tolerant canola when the crop is at bud stage or later may impact yield and maturity.

Understand the most vulnerable growth stage of target weeds and your glyphosate applications will have a greater impact. †

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Elevated levels of soil biology

Soil biology is what soil scientists refer to as the living organisms in the soil. These living organisms are part of the food web in the soil. To understand what the food web in the soil is, think of a web that is all connected together with each strand supported not by just one other strand but with multiple strands. Healthy soil organism functions depend on all the other organisms in the soil. This interconnected system is healthier and stronger when there is greater biological diversity. The question that farmers should ask themselves is how to increase this diversity and build higher levels of soil biology.

Some soil biologists refer to the life in the soil as the “soil herd.” The “soil herd” is more likely to keep working for you when there are many different species of organisms to do the work of turning plant residue into plant -available nutrients. Soil organisms will also help break down some chemical residues and beneficial predator organisms that are working on your behalf to keep the pest population of diseases, insects and pathogens in check. Soil biology is increased when we maximize crop residues, rotate with different crops, and reduce the amount of tillage of the soil. The amount and type of crop residue that is returned back to the field will have an effect on the organisms. Some organisms will prefer root biomass from sod and other organisms will prefer pea stubble or cereal straw. Tillage incorporates plant residue into the soil and can stimulate some microbial activity in the short term but repeated tillage reduces the level of organic matter in the soil that supports the food web. There are agronomic and economic limitations to incorporating too many different crops into the crop plan but the opportunity is there when you want to try to elevate the levels of soil biology and provide a habitat for some of the organisms in the soil that may be missing.

Better water infiltration

Precipitation that runs off or ponds in the field does not provide much benefit to the crop. Fields that have good water infiltration rates will capture more of the precipitation during the growing season and supply more of that moisture to the growing crop. Fields with poor water infiltration are more prone to erosion. Erosion is a loss of applied nutrients and farther downstream water quality issues.

Fields that allow water to pond lose much of the water to evaporation which means it is not available to the crop. Fields that have poor water infiltration are prone to crusting and can cause problems with root growth during the growing season and crop emergence at establishment. Soil organisms do not flourish in soils that crust over. Crusted soil does not have the porosity to allow water and air to flow through.

To see the differences in water infiltration rates in your fields you may want to do some infiltration rate testing. One method would involve taking a piece of three-inch plastic pipe about two feet long and standing it upright in the field and filling it with water from a two-gallon jug. The faster the water soaks into the ground from the pipe the better the water infiltration. By doing this test in different fields and in various crops you can see that soil with good residue cover or sod will have better water infiltration than bare soil or fields that always receive frequent tillage. Growing crops in the rotation that provide greater amounts of residue can help improve field water infiltration.

Lower bulk density

Bulk density is the measurement of how compacted the soil is. Some soil compaction is necessary for good seed-to-soil contact and germination, soil that is too loose allows water to evaporate too quickly. Fields with a high bulk density or compaction have restricted root growth, reduced soil organism habitat and water movement is limited in the soil.

Compaction or high bulk density is caused by a number of farming practices; every time we drive a piece of equipment across the field we are increasing the bulk density in those tracks. A track made when the soil is wet causes easier compaction because the moisture in the soil has replaced the air pockets that cushion it, just squeezes the soil together and makes that track very hard. In areas that have received high amounts of rainfall prior to and during the growing season are in a situation where every equipment pass is going to contribute to areas of compaction in the field. Reducing field traffic or limiting it to designating traffic lanes can help greatly to prevent field soil compaction. Fields that have a lower bulk density produce higher yields than those with compaction zones.

Deeper topsoil depth

One indicator of crop yield potential is the depth of topsoil, or the A horizon of the soil profile. Good, deep topsoil is the foundation for building better yields. To increase topsoil depth, generate higher levels of plant material returned to the field. We have been told that topsoil builds downward and not accumulated upward and that it takes thousands of years to build an inch of topsoil. What these scientists are talking about is the chemical weathering and mechanical breakdown of rock surfaces.

The process of topsoil building that farmers can do involves an intensive management process that first starts with eliminating soil erosion practices and swings to an accumulation of material in the soil. Most of this accumulation of material is going to come from plant residue, animal manure and other biosolids. Consider practices that protect the topsoil that is already present. Treat topsoil as one of the most valuable assets in the farming operation. Evaluate the land and determine if there is anything that is causing soil erosion or loss of soil from the field and do what is necessary to eliminate that loss. Plant and maintain grassed waterways to prevent water erosion. Establish buffer strips along ditch banks and field borders. In areas of the field where topsoil is eroded or not as deep as other areas the water infiltration rate is limited and availability of water to the crop is reduced. Precipitation is subject to surface water run off. From what I have seen in the field those that have a topsoil depth greater than six inches have a greater chance of producing more yield than those fields with less than six inches. Especially in years of extreme low moisture and in years of higher levels of moisture.

Balanced fertility

From looking at soil sample results over the last number of years and seeing what the yield history on these fields is, I have seen that fields with a generally higher level of fertility have a history of higher yields. Having too much of some nutrients and not enough of others in the soil limits the yield potential of the crop to the potential of the limiting nutrient. From the “Nutrient Uptake and Removal by Field Crops” chart from the Canadian Fertilizer Institute, we know the uptake requirements of nutrients for the crops that we are growing and if those nutrients aren’t there when the crop needs them the yield potential is limited. Fields with above-adequate fertility can take advantage of better growing conditions and are not as likely to have an accumulation of stresses combined with environmental factors.

Look at fertilizer application as a long-term investment that pays dividends over many growing seasons. Higher-yielding fields do not suffer from micronutrient deficiencies during periods of environmental stress, they have more than adequate amounts of these important nutrients required to grow the crop.

Evaluate your own farm and the productivity of the fields and determine which factors are limiting yield potential and implement a strategy to improve the quality of the land. It may involve modification of cropping system with a greater variety of crops in the rotation, reducing the amount of tillage on fields and increasing the return of crop residues back to the field. Feed the soil with more green material from living crops. Soil test and bring up nutrient levels from adequate or sufficient to higher levels than just crop removal rates. Reduce field compaction by controlling field traffic or eliminating unnecessary passes with field equipment. Fields with higher levels of soil biology, better water infiltration, lower bulk density, deeper topsoil depth and balanced fertility will show a greater return on investment and build higher yields. †

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Field conditions

To get an overview of the 2011 growing season for our trading area (in the Peace River region of northern Alberta) we checked the Government of Alberta’s AgroClimatic Information Service (ACIS) website (at www.agric.gov.ab.ca, type “acis” in the search box). We saw that rainfall recorded by nearby weather stations during the 2011 growing season was 2.5 to 3 times the previous three-year average.

Next, we looked at the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) publication “Alberta Yield”, and found that cereal crops in Risk Area 19 in 2011 yielded about 40 per cent above the previous three-year average, and canola crops yielded about 25 per cent higher.

Based on the nutrient uptake and removal rates required to grow those heavy crops and nutrient losses due to saturated soil, we knew we had to take soil samples to see just how low our nutrient levels were.

Soil sampling conditions were almost ideal last fall. We sampled fields to a depth of 24 inches, separating the top zero to six inches and the lower six to 24 inches. We recorded all the locations of the sample sites with GPS co-ordinates to ensure year-to-year consistency.

Once we had the soil sample reports, one of the first things we looked at was the cation exchange capacity (CEC) value. These numbers give us an indication of the nutrient holding capacity of the soil.

Next we compared the organic matter (OM) percentage for each soil sample with previous years’ information and trend lines. Organic matter percentages help determine the amount of nutrients that become available from soil mineralization and microbial nutrient cycling. The mineralization rate in the soil can be quite variable due to factors such as moisture, temperature, compaction, type of residue and management practices.

For our recommendations, we estimate only a conservative amount of nitrogen coming from the organic matter as compared to other regions, because of the shorter growing season and relatively cooler temperatures in the Peace country. We are also on the conservative side on the uptake and removal values for each crop.

Soil sample results

Soil sample results for nitrate confirmed what we expected. Nitrogen (N) levels in the soil are very low compared to accumulated reserve levels of nitrogen seen in previous years’ samples. The lower levels of nitrate nitrogen were true in both the zero- to six-inch depth and the six- to 24-inch depth.

Nitrogen recommendations start with yield targets and what is required to achieve them. We account for the nitrogen that should be available to the crop and apply the difference. With a high proportion of the fields in the Peace country planted to canola, our strategy for sulphur fertilization is to apply sulphur (S) based on an N:S ratio of 5:1.

The majority of the fields we sampled this year were tested with a complete lab analysis, including micronutrients. Here is where a clearer picture of the nutrient levels of the soil became obvious.

Phosphorous (P) levels seem to be maintaining, on average, a level trend.

On evaluation of the pH levels of the soil, some results are giving us a cause for concern. The majority of the sample results ranged between the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 pH but there were a number of samples less than 6.0 pH, and some at the other end of the spectrum with a pH greater than 7.0. As soil nutrient availability is affected by pH, we’re concerned about the interaction of phosphorous at low pH with higher amounts of available aluminum and iron. When the pH is at the high end of the scale, we recognize phosphorous availability is limited by calcium and magnesium in the soil. The placement and rates of phosphorous we recommend is based on the soil test results and limitations to plant availability.

Soil potash (K) levels are, on average, lower than previous years. Potash fertilizer application has been cut back or skipped by farmers for the past few years, since prices spiked in 2008. The straw material grown in 2011 was also significantly greater than in previous years. Over time, shorting the crop on potassium and mining the soil will negatively influence yield potential. For lower testing fields, we recommend applying at least crop removal rates of potassium, and we build recommendations for potassium deficient fields.

This year, we decided to examine soil test micronutrient levels in depth. In the past we have disregarded these measurements, and were hesitant to make product recommendations. Of the fields we sampled, 48 per cent tested low for copper (Cu), 50 per cent tested low for manganese (Mn), 30 per cent tested low for zinc (Zn) and 70 per cent tested low for boron (B). Our strategic approach is to provide these nutrients by targeting those fields and crops with the greatest probability for response.

This year, we followed a strategy of building complete crop nutrition solutions for each crop and field on the farm. I believe we’re on target to provide the crop a little bit more of what it needs to achieve yield objectives. †

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But something that isn’t generally included is a plan for logistics, execution and follow through. Including these things makes sense to me, especially when the optimum seeding window for each crop is only about 10 days.

The focus of a logistics, execution and follow through plan is the technical procedure of the operation. Successful farmers have the advantage of having learned to be able to do this, and they are reaping the rewards.

A crop plan that includes logistics, execution and follow through is a system of quality control — a way to ensure that all the details of the seeding operation are effective.

The “logistics” part of the plan describes how everything is going to happen. Execution is how things are happening. Follow through is making sure things happened the way they were planned.

Logistics plan

The logistics plan is a plan of how things will happen and who will do each job. Look at logistics as the supply chain of resources required to keep the seeding equipment going at peak efficiency. There are several things to consider when you’re developing a detailed logistics plan.

•  Calculate the capacity of the air cart tanks in volume and weight, so you’ll know how many acres you can seed with each tank with the seed and fertilizer rates you’re planning.
•  Know the density of the fertilizer you’ve chosen, and how many tonnes of each blend or product you’ll have capacity for. Then check rates to establish acres per fill.
•  Check cereal 1,000 kernel weights (TKW) on the seed lots (seeding rates will vary from year to year based on TKW and target plant stand counts).
•  Plan your seed treating. Look at hiring a custom treater to do the job if you’re not equipped to do it properly yourself.
•  Larger operations have certain people tasked with specific jobs. A good logistics plan has a description of those duties. This will be helpful if someone else has to step into that job for the day.
•  Maps can be used in a logistics plan to show everybody ahead of time where the loading and fill locations areas are and how to access them with trucks and other equipment. Good maps show field locations and routes for operators. These are especially useful if you might be working at night, when it’s easy to get turned around and waste time backtracking.
•  Logistics plans should include fueling and in-season maintenance requirements. The first day of seeding is not a good time to learn the fuel gauge doesn’t show “empty” when the tank is.
•  GPS equipment and subscriptions must be current for spring, with application files arranged ahead of time on the rate controllers.
•  Prepare a quick start list for using rate controllers and monitors, so operators don’t miss anything.

These are a number of items that may be included in a logistics plan but each individual farm manager will have their own list of the most important for their farm.

The execution plan

The execution plan details who will do each actual operation — including setting the equipment, making adjustments and fine-tuning for field conditions. The crop planning part is the easy part — the execution is the real work, making sure everything is happening according to plan and that, if things change, the work can get back on track.

Here are some items that could be included in a detailed execution plan.

•  Establish a procedure for documenting seeding depth checks while seeding. Consider how often you want seeding depth checked and how you want it done.
•  Some farmers like to fine-tune settings across the field; others are comfortable leaving things alone once they’re set. Each operation is different.
•  Some farmers like to plan to make adjustments on the seeder as soil temperature and moisture levels change. Determine when you are going to want to plan to make adjustments.
•  Making sure that the weeds are in check at seeding time and doing the pre-seed and pre-emergence burn off application is part of a good execution plan.
•  Know how and when to make adjustments to closing furrows and packing pressure based on soil conditions and equipment settings.
•  The execution plan could details fertilizer rate settings and calibration. Know how to check the actual density of the fertilizer you are using when you’re loading the air cart to make sure if settings don’t need to change or recalibrate.
•  Is seed treatment application equipment doing the right job and treating the correct amount of seed with the right amount of product and getting the best coverage?
•  In the execution plan, implement a system that ensures information is entered properly into the rate controllers. If using precision placement technology and rate control, check that prescription maps for the correct year and crop are loaded accurately for each field.

In every farm operation, there are some tasks that are that are critical to accomplishing the seeding operation. Include these in as much detail as you think is required for your farm.

Follow through

The follow through plan is a quality improvement plan to check that the seeding operation happened as it was supposed to. It’s a way to find out what adjustments should be made to perfect and simplify seeding in future years.

Here are some things you may want to include in your follow through plans.

•  In the follow through plan, it may be important to implement a system for keeping seed tags and seed samples from each lot for future reference. If there’s a problem with seed in the field, you’ll have a reference to refer to.
•  Storing seed tag information from each field is a quality control tool to make sure that the seed variety planned for that field was actually seeded.
•  Keep a sample of seed as it comes from the treater to verify proper application and coverage.
•  Record fertilizer load information by field to help with inventory and application data.
•  Check seed bed condition after seeding. Ensure there are no lumps, clumps or piles, to make sure that the seeding equipment is handling stubble and crop residue as expected.
•  Review application monitors and rate controller records to check that any application changes were flagged in the as applied data.
•  A follow through plan can include field maps marking areas where changes were made to rates, varieties, treatments and settings in the field.
•  Look at any problems you may have had during seeding. Then plan ahead to make sure these issues are addressed for next year.
•  Talk to operators and other people who worked with you through the season. They may be able to identify areas of your operation that could be modified or improved.
•  A strong follow through plan includes a system for obtaining feedback on what worked well and where there are opportunities to fine-tune performance.

The follow through plan is done right through seeding, and is a check on where you are, compared to your plan.

Successful farmers manage the details of logistics, execution and follow through. When you’re working on your crop plans, I recommend putting some effort into a solid quality control system for your cropping operation. †

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The ability to map and monitor a crop throughout the growing season provides a tremendous opportunity to remedy nutrient- deficiency situations by targeting applications specifically to needy areas of the field, or by varying rates. Sensors can identify nutrient-deficient areas and immediately top them up with nitrogen fertilizer, or suggest zones within the field for ground truthing.

Using the GreenSeeker

GreenSeeker is an optical sensor made by Trimble. Ilene Gellings, with Toerper Tech and Precision Ltd. at Wembley, Alta., provides sales and service support for the GreenSeeker optical sensor in the Peace region. Gellings says farmers are using the GreenSeeker as a tool to generate maps showing crop variation.

The core application is using it to read the crop, calculate a target product rate and control application through the sprayer. But Gellings also sees innovative farmers coming up with new applications for the technology.

Farmers using the GreenSeeker are not limited to collecting imagery from satellites and, when they’re using the optical sensors, are not limited by clouds or darkness. Farmers can collect images instantly as they drive across the field with the sensors mounted on the sprayer.

The GreenSeeker uses Norma-lized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) or what can be called a crop-growth map. According to Gellings, NDVI imagery is highly correlated to biomass — which is correlated to grain yield. Gellings recommends that growers work with an agronomist who is familiar with the technology to determine nitrogen application rates.

For a top-dressing application, farmers have to plan ahead. At seeding time, farmers should insert a nitrogen-rich strip somewhere in the field to ensure that nitrogen is not the factor limiting crop growth. Later in the season, the nitrogen-rich strip is used to set the upper limits for the GreenSeeker. Areas of the field with NDVI values equal to or higher than that nitrogen-rich strip don’t need additional nitrogen fertilizer.

The GreenSeeker needs access to a crop-specific algorithm and a measure of growing degree days from seeding to sensing. Crop- specific algorithms for wheat and canola in Western Canada have been developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and are available with the commercial unit.

Guy Lafond, the production systems agronomist with AAFC at the Indian Head Research Farm, has been doing research in this area since 2004. Lafond continues to work with the GreenSeeker technology, collecting information to develop crop- specific algorithms for spring wheat, winter wheat, durum, malting barley, oat and canola. From his field trials, Lafond sees the benefits of measuring not only the growth in the field but also the temporal or seasonal variability in a field. Nitrogen can be adjusted in real time to account for this variability.

Lafond believes that as more farmers use this technology, more applications will be identified for its use. Some of these additional applications may include in-crop fungicide applications, pre-harvest burn-down based on crop density and topography and simple field- mapping replacing the use of satellite imagery.

GreenSeeker at Elkridge Farms

A farmer may not want to commit all his fertilizer at time of seeding until he can observe some indicator of yield potential. The optical sensor can offer this extra information.

Gary Sanocki and Fiona Love from Elkridge Farms in Eaglesham, Alta., used a GreenSeeker system on their sprayer this past season. They were looking for increased yields and more efficient use of products. The plan was to apply a little less nitrogen with the drill and more in crop using, either liquid urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN), (28 per cent), or dissolving urea in water as a strategy to increase grain protein in wheat.

Sprayer operators at Elkridge Farms quickly learned to watch out for strips of green where the seeder missed. These missed strips will throw off the optical sensor. Sanocki says it took some time working with the machine to understand the sensor’s operation and capabilities. For example, it took a few hours in the sprayer to learn how the sensor reads straw and ground cover, and how big a plant has to be before the optical sensor recognizes and picks it up.

Sanocki is looking at doing more trials with the GreenSeeker to understand how plants respond to root-based uptake of nutrients compared to foliar-based uptake. He suspects that, after a wet growing season combined with higher crop yields, there should be less nutrient carryover into this spring.

Mineralization of nitrogen is not a constant process, but will vary throughout the year and between years, the main driver being weather. Sanocki said that the GreenSeeker “gives us a tool to quantify whether putting on more fertilizer makes sense.” Sanocki applies some fertilizer at seeding and plans to continue doing that, actually using some of the information from the imagery to help establish dry fertilizer rate-application maps.

Sanocki says they can top dress without the optical sensor, but GreenSeeker provides an additional layer of precision. They got into the field a little later than they wanted to this year, top dressing some of the canola when it was starting to flower. With the flowering canola, they had to make some adjustments to the basic algorithm.

Sanocki sees the GreenSeeker as a real diagnostic tool that logs information with every sprayer pass. It did show wild oat and thistle patches, but the sprayer valves probably do not have a fast enough reaction time to spray them. Last season, Elkridge Farms was able to apply 800 acres worth of canola fungicide over 1,000 acres — product was spared where the crop was poor from water logging or drowning, saving money and making their operation more efficient.

An integrated crop optical sensor is a tool farmers can use to assess the growth of their crop for nutrient sufficiency. The ability to map and monitor the crop throughout the growing season provides a tremendous opportunity to get the most from a crop using targeted application rates of nitrogen fertilizer and maybe for other crop protection products. †

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The goal of a crop fertility plan is to determine the fertilizer rate needed to hit the yield target while accounting for nutrients already present in the soil. But farmers may wonder why it is important to spend time calculating different fertilizer product rates. Why not just use the same fertilizer blend across the whole farm or have a wheat blend and a canola blend?

Putting a little extra time and effort into a fertility plan can improve crop growth, reduce environmental impacts and, perhaps most importantly, produce a greater financial return.

The basic steps to building a fertility plan are: decide on crop rotation; set achievable yield targets; list nutrient uptake and removal rates; measure available nutrients in the soil; and, finally, calculate the amount of fertilizer necessary to make up the difference. Farmers should also understand the purpose of the fertilizer components when determining application rates and proportions.

Once you ve settled on a rotation plan, determine the yield potential of the field by looking at historical data and averaging yields over the last three or four times that crop was grown. A good rule of thumb for targeting higher yields is adding 20 per cent to the average.

SHORT VERSUS LONG-TERM FERTILIZER PLANS

Different farmers have different approaches on fertilizer recommendations, usually depending on their specific circumstances. Whether the land is owned or rented makes a difference, as does the term of the lease. Short-term lease land may just get enough nutrients for the crop the sufficiency approach. Land that is owned is treated more with a building program and is a long-term investment. I use the information from The Canadian Fertilizer Institute ( www.cfi.ca) uptake and removal chart, which shows the amount of nutrients that a crop requires to grow and how much of the nutrients are removed when it s harvested. There are a range of values on the uptake and removal chart the growing season and geography of your farm determines where you fit on the scale.

WORK OFF ACCURATE SOIL TESTS

A good fertilizer program requires reliable and representative soil-sample results, so take time to evaluate every part of your soil sampling technique. Samples sent to the lab must be collected in a way that maintains the integrity and validity of the sample. If you re hiring out the job, hire trained operators who collect samples consistently with the proper equipment.

A big part of a soil sample analysis report is an analysis of the changes in nutrient levels compared to previous soil sample information, so always take samples from the same areas to compare the changes in those areas. Record sample points and benchmark for baseline information. You can use GPS co-ordinates to get back to the same place or measure sample points from a reference point near the field, such as a fence post or survey marker.

Take samples at the same depth each time. Most soil scientists recommend two samples, one from between zero and six inches and the other between six and 24 inches. Keep the samples pure and be very careful to not contaminate them with other soil or dust. Use a clean plastic pail and rubber gloves when mixing soil to break up lumps. Label sample bags and fill out field information sheets accurately with all of the required information. And be consistent when labelling samples. For example, don t change the names of fields each time you sample them. It is imperative to do the best job possible when taking soil samples in the field to get the best information from the lab on the analysis.

Pick a soil sample lab that reports information in an easy-to- understand format and stick with that lab in order to get more consistent reports.

SOIL AS A BANK ACCOUNT

One way to think about soil is to view each field like a bank account FINE TUNE FERTILIZER RATES BY FIELD, NOT BY CROP

only one containing nutrients instead of money. This bank account of nutrients has deposits (the main one being application of fertilizer prior to crop establishment) and withdrawals (the main one being the harvesting of the crop). There are other important withdrawals and deposits taking place throughout the year in the field fertility bank account these are akin to service charges that draw down your balance or interest that adds to the level of available nutrients. Withdrawals for nitrogen include leaching, denitrification, volatilization, and erosion. The interest on the fertility bank account can be additional nitrogen from legume residue, other plant and animal residues and mineralization of soil organic matter.

It s important to confirm the fertility bank account balance in the field and understand what the regular deposits and withdrawals are. Confirm your soil fertility bank account balance compared to where you think it should be.

Another way to look at nitrogen is as the fuel in the tank to get you where you want to go. If you only got partway to where you wanted to go, chances are there s some unused fuel left. If you got a little bit farther than what the plan was, you probably drove on the reserve part of the tank for a little while or got better mileage than expected. Look at the other nutrients as the oil in the engine and the air in the tires. Maintain proper levels from start to finish and everything will run pretty smooth. If those levels start to drop too low, you can have a major problem and when they run right out, it is usually a bigger issue to fix them.

INCREASE NUTRIENTS BY IDEAL RATIOS

When planning to increase rates of nitrogen, also look at increasing rates of other nutrients proportionately. Expect to see greater yield response from an increase across the board than just bumping up nitrogen. When increasing primary nutrient rates, you also have to look at the micronutrients required for high-end yields. Crops have different response rates to certain micronutrients and it is important to make sure that they are not lacking.

The chances of success are much greater when you have the end goal in mind. Farmers will see agronomic benefits of crop fertility planning by following the straightforward process of determining yield targets, reviewing uptake and removal rates, soil sampling and calculating application requirements.

Practically speaking, the intensity of a crop fertility plan is limited by application equipment and in-season logistics. Look for ways in the current system to improve the fertility plan. Check application records for how much fertilizer was applied on each field, account for the crop removal with accurate yield information, and check that the soil sample report shows a reasonable balance.

JasonCasselmanisapartnerandagronomist

withDunveganAgSolutionsInc.( www.howtogotoagsi.com)

atRycroft,Alta.

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Harvest is the best time of year to decide which canola variety to plant next year. Field evaluation and variety differences are still fresh in your mind right after harvest. Now s the time to review in-season notes regarding emergence, vigour, flowering, growth characteristics, swathing timing and yield information. This information helps you start making decisions on which varieties will remain in the lineup for next year and which ones will drop off and be replaced by the latest selection of hybrids.

COMPARE, COMPARE, COMPARE

Canola variety selection is one of the primary steps in developing a successful crop plan. Decisions based on relevant information ensure the plan is sound and suitable to established yield targets. Farmers need to stick with varieties to local growing conditions and environments. Consult a range of sources for information to establish a short list of varieties to assess. These sources will include on-farm trials, local variety assessment and regional variety testing.

On-farm trials include information from your own fields or from a local farmer who is known for doing proper trials and recording accurate information. Regional variety testing is the data reported by seed companies and some third-party sources. The value in regional variety testing is the compilation of data from a wide range of locations in the data set. The performance of canola varieties can vary from region to region; evaluate information on varieties to choose ones that are best suited to their farm.

Ideally, you ll have a few side-by- side or strip trials on your own land to compare varieties. Establishing these variety comparisons and following through to harvest helps get true yield information and other important facts based on your own management and location. When harvesting, plot yield is not the only measurement to look at, however. Adjust for moisture and quality. Make notes on harvestability and other agronomic factors such as how fast one variety dried down compared to the other. Compare varieties on how each one handled growing season stress. Is one better than the other if it is too wet or did it pull through during a period of drought? Higher yielding and poorer quality is not necessarily better. An additional source of on-farm trial information is from other local farmers who have their own variety trials and side-by-side plots. When evaluating this data, make certain the trial has followed proper protocol and is a valid representation of the varieties. Comparisons between varieties that were not grown in the same field or under the same environmental conditions are not fair assessments. Seed dealers will have a good source of side-by-side trial data compiled from the local area. Look at this information and verify the results that are presented.

Greg Sekulic agronomist with the Canola Council of Canada in the Peace River region, recommends farmers also look at CVT (Canola Variety Trial) Data. Sekulic says, The data collected through the CVT program is an important resource; it does give a general sense of variety comparisons.

Sekulic says days to maturity vary for varieties depending where they are grown, so be sure to use regional information when comparing maturity. Canola in the northern Alberta Peace region will mature at a different rate than the same canola seeded in central Saskatchewan due to differences in hours of sunshine in the growing season. Another source of regional data is seed company variety trials. The performance of a variety in the field may be less than expected due to agronomic issues i.e. flooding, hail or insect damage clearly outside of the variety characteristics. Sekulic also says, That s why it s important to go look at the local variety trials the companies put on. That way you can see the relative maturities and statures. The more you see, the better decision you can make. Comparing varieties is easier when they are laid out in plots in the same field. You notice more differences in the varieties and evaluate the features that set each one apart. The seed company seed guide provides information on the varieties but having seen the varieties in the field first hand completes the picture.

GROW MORE THAN ONE VARIETY

How many varieties to grow on the farm? In short, don t put all your eggs in one basket. Consider harvest timing and workload. Too many fields at the same maturity can cause problems for swathing or harvest if they are all ready at the same time. Sekulic recommends a strategy of planting at least three canola seed varieties. Of the three varieties, split the acres between 25 per cent of canola acres in longer season varieties, 50 per cent of the canola acres with a regular season maturity and the remaining 25 per cent of canola acres to shorter season varieties. Sekulic advises farmers to start in the spring by planting some of the first fields with the early-maturity varieties then switching to the longer-season ones and finish up seeding with regular-season varieties. Sekulic adds it s a good idea to mix genetics by maturity ratings and also for herbicide and disease resistance management. Top yields are obviously important, but farmers need to be mindful of their growing season constraints in conjunction with weed and disease management.

GET THE MOST FROM ONE BAG

Canola seed has certainly increased in price in the last few years when compared to herbicides and other pesticides. There is no doubt, however, that the value of the canola seed varieties that we are now seeding has also increased greatly. Look at the whole package of crop inputs and how much more value the seed brings to the farm before balking at higher seed costs. Higher seed costs are associated with insect and disease resistance, greater stress tolerance and improved nutrient efficiency. Considering that it was just over 15 years ago thst growers started to see varieties switch from open-pollinated varieties to hybrids, seed varieties have come a long way.

That said, it s important to get the most value from that bag of seed. Get the seed count for the seed lot and do the math to seed the optimum rate per acre for each seed lot. Review notes from the previous season on emergence and plant stand to check the performance of your seeding tool. If you have a few bags of seed left over at the end of the season ask your retailer if you can return them. Each retailer will have a different policy on returned seed, but if it is done early enough and the bag doesn t look like it has been used for a floor mat, somebody else might be able to seed it. Be vigilant with seed that is kept on farm and used the following year. Do not consider seeding it unless it is stored in an area with controlled temperature and humidity. Re-check germination prior to seeding.

THINK AHEAD

Canola breeding programs work with thousands of variety crosses every year to find the right combination that will provide higher yields combined with better disease resistance, stronger vigour and a broader maturity range. Seed companies increase their investment and breeding facility capability every year to bring improved canola seed varieties to market. Improvements in varieties are driven by demands both from farmers and end users. Farmers want higher-yielding and more profitable varieties in the field. End users want products that meet their needs for food, fuel or feed. With the increased speed and capacity to develop new varieties the lifespan of a canola variety is not going to be very long. Varieties are unlikely to be around for more than three or four years. With this in mind, if you plan ahead you should have ideal qualities and characteristics required in a variety to fit your crop plan, and not just a familiar name or number when choosing a variety.

JasonCasselmanisapartnerandagronomist

withDunveganAGSolutionsInc.( www.howtogotoagsi.com), basedatRycroft,Alta.

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