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
Western agronomy research cuts
Agronomy Management: Funding cuts have left gaps in the unbiased agronomy research that Prairie farmers need
Using base-cation saturation ratios
Fertilizer recommendations based on BCSRs do not beat traditional approaches
In my last column, I discussed soil pH and its effect on plant nutrients and fertilizers. In this article, more about basic, or alkaline, soils and how some agronomists are using base saturation to make fertilizer recommendations. Remember that soils with a pH of 6.6 to 7.4 are in the neutral range, pH 7.5 to […] Read more
The broad basics of your soil’s pH
Soil pH is complex, and has different impacts on the availability of different nutrients
Farmers frequently ask “What does soil pH really mean?” and “What effect does pH have on availability of nutrients in the soil?” Both are excellent questions! The effects of pH are complex and vary with different nutrients. However, some broad generalizations are useful to keep in mind when understanding soil pH and making nutrient management […] Read more
Soil sampling and soil testing
Fall is generally the most convenient time for soil testing. Plan now for effective testing
In the last issue of Grainews Les Henry wrote a great article on soil testing. I couldn’t agree more that soil sampling and testing is a great tool to assess the soil nutrient levels in your fields so you can wisely plan your fertilizer program for next spring. Here are some of my thoughts on […] Read more
Applying your nitrogen in the fall
Agronomy Management: Fall application can be more convenient, but effectiveness varies, depending on conditions
Applying nitrogen fertilizer at the time of planting in spring is usually the best option for most Prairie farmers. But that means applying a lot of product, which can really slow down the seeding process. Getting the seed in the ground at the optimum time is important, and delays can reduce crop yield potential. Some […] Read more
Strategies for winter wheat success
With higher yields, winter wheat can be an economical addition to crop rotations
I am a big fan of winter wheat. Its yield potential can be 15 to 40 per cent higher than spring wheat depending on environmental conditions. This can make winter wheat very economical in a rotation. Growing winter wheat is fairly straightforward. However, success depends on a number of specific management practices. 1. When to plant […] Read more
Manage water to optimize wheat, canola production
Use your irrigation system to its full potential by asking these four question about water needs
Often the most limiting nutrient in irrigated crop production is water! Many irrigation farmers tend to under-irrigate their crops, which limits yield potential. Often the main reasons for under-irrigation are simply not checking soil moisture frequently and starting the irrigation system too late. Knowing the answers to these four questions can help. 1. How much water does […] Read more
Minimizing soil compactions
Soil compaction occurs when particles are compacted and the soil becomes more dense. In a normal soil, the soil particles and pore spaces are very close to 50/50, but through agricultural practices, cultivation and wheel traffic, those soil particles can become compressed closer together. In the same volume you have more soil and less pore […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
