Q: What should I be looking at when focusing on crop planning for the coming year?
A: As the cropping season creeps into focus, growers and agronomists are making final changes and alterations to crop plans. We work diligently to make sure these crop plans are thorough, robust and account for as many variables as possible.
The genotype x environment x management (GxExM) equation is a fantastic tool for farmers and agronomists to use when developing and finalizing crop plans. This equation can help evaluate cropping systems and account for their inherent variability and volatility. GxExM provides a strong framework to critically evaluate many details of crop plans on both a field and farm level.
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In the GxExM equation, genotype refers to the genetics, crop type and variety that will be grown on specific fields. Local field variability means varietal selection is more difficult to make based solely on regional variety trial results. On-farm data and experience can help to better match variety selection with farm characteristics. Ideal planning will focus on matching varietal response to expected weather, soil conditions and grower-specific management practices.
In Western Canada, yield and productivity is often determined by our environment. Environment is comprised of both weather conditions and soil characteristics. Growers have very little control over these variables, and crop planning should focus on managing them effectively.
Planning for our environment will include viewing climate data (long-term trends) rather than weather data (short-term observations). Looking at the environment this way adapts crop plans for average growing seasons rather than outliers, leading to a balanced view. Understanding soil characteristics such as texture, structure, organic matter, pH and water-holding capacity can help determine the inherent productivity of our land base. Setting expectations based on these soil parameters can help to plan varietal selection and fertilizer applications more accurately.
Management practices can be adapted to optimize genetic productivity and respond to the environment. This would include fertilizer rates, tillage regime, herbicide timing and crop establishment practices. Optimized management practices can help manage lodging, conserve moisture and influence maturity.
Making crop planning decisions while utilizing GxExM can show how all variables are interconnected and will lead to a better understanding of crop potential and implementation of improved practices on the farm.
– Jordan Peterson, PAg, CCA, is the manager of agronomic solutions in northern Alberta for Nutrien Ag Solutions.
