Soil compaction can be a serious form of soil degradation resulting in decreased crop production and increased risk of soil erosion. Soil compaction can reduce water infiltration into soil, crop emergence, root penetration, crop nutrient uptake and water uptake — all of which can reduce crop yields. Compaction concerns Soil compaction is caused by tillage […] Read more
The effects of soil compaction
In the first of a two-part series, learn how to diagnose soil compaction in your field
Weeds, disease and insects in mustard
In the final part of a 4-part series on mustard agronomy, Ross McKenzie turns his attention to pests
Weed control is generally my greatest concern when growing mustard. Weed competition can greatly reduce mustard yields by competing for available light, nutrients and moisture. Although mustard seedlings are not very competitive with weeds, there are ways that growers can reduce the early effects of weeds: burndown of weeds in fall and/or early spring before […] Read more
Managing mustard fertilizer
Part 3 of this 4-part series on mustard agronomy covers mustard's fertilizer needs
In the last issue of Grainews, I discussed the nitrogen needs of mustard. Now, let’s turn to the other fertilizers mustard requires. Phosphorus (P) About 80 per cent of brown and dark brown soils are deficient in phosphorus (P). Soil P availability to plants can be assessed by soil sampling and testing to determine plant-available […] Read more
Mustard fertilizer management
In Part 2 of a 4-part series on mustard agronomy, Ross McKenzie talks fertilizer
In the last issue of Grainews, I discussed agronomic management of growing mustard. In this issue we’ll discuss nitrogen requirements; in the next issue, we’ll discuss the other nutrients mustard needs to achieve optimum production. Mustard grown on cereal stubble almost always needs nitrogen fertilizer, frequently needs phosphate fertilizer and occasionally needs sulphur fertilizer. Soil […] Read more
Managing mustard on the Prairies
In Part 1 of a 4-Part series on growing mustard, Ross McKenzie looks at basic agronomy
Mustard is one of my favourite crops to grow on dry land in the drier regions of the Prairies. It is a great oilseed crop to include in a diverse crop rotation, which helps to disrupt pest cycles, increase moisture use efficiency and increase farm income. Canada is a world leader in condiment mustard seed […] Read more
Learn to manage your sodic soils
Got sodic soils on your farm? Here are three options for managing those areas
In the last issue of Grainews I discussed the physical and chemical characteristics of sodic soils. In this issue, I’ll discuss managing those soils. Solonetzic soils in the brown or dark brown soil zones of southern Alberta or southern Saskatchewan, that are in native grassland may be best left in their native condition and used […] Read more
Do you need to hire an agronomist?
Agronomy Management: Your farm may need the assistance of an agronomist or a professional crop advisor?
Crop production has become much more complex and technically challenging over the past 20 years. It is increasingly difficult to balance the many demands of a successful farming operation, including the agronomic management of many different crops, crop scouting, long-term crop planning, input planning and crop marketing. These days, more and more farmers are using […] Read more
Diagnosing your own sodic soils
Do you have sodic soils on your farm? Here's how to find out for sure
Sodic soils have a high level of exchangeable sodium (Na+) which can have a negative effect on soil quality, crop growth and yield. These soils often develop on naturally occurring high-sodium glacial till parent materials. Soil enrichment of sodium by groundwater movement can also cause sodic soil development. Sodic soils often have very poor soil […] Read more
Diagnosing and managing acid soils
Acidic soils can restrict plant growth. Learn how to recognize and manage these soils on your farm
Soils with a pH ranging between 6.0 and 8.0 are suitable for most crops on the Prairies. Soils with a pH range between 6.5 to 7.5 are considered to be near neutral. Soil pH between 6.0 to 5.6, 5.5 to 5.1 and < 5.0 are considered to be moderately acidic, strongly acidic and very strongly […] Read more
Western agronomy research cuts
Agronomy Management: Funding cuts have left gaps in the unbiased agronomy research that Prairie farmers need
Over the past 100 years, agricultural research scientists, innovative farmers and private industry have done a remarkable job to develop and improve crop production practices across Western Canada. Advances in crop breeding, sustainable crop rotations, development of direct seeding technology, development of fertilizer and nutrient management practices and improved management to control weeds, insects and […] Read more
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