Canola field near Melfort, SK under wildfire smoke. Photo: Janelle Rudolph

Micronutrient applications compared in canola

Saskatchewan study aims to shed light on claims and concepts surrounding lesser-known crop nutrients

An ongoing northeastern Saskatchewan trial looks at micronutrient applications, specifically boron, copper and zinc, to see whether those applications boost yield in canola crops.





wheat plant waving hello

FEED ME: Can well-fed plants fend off diseases and insects?

We examine an Idaho farmer’s program for crop self-defence

Blake Matthews works with agronomist Jared Cook on an intensive cropping program that improves plant health and soil health, reduces pesticide use and somewhat increases profits. We check in with Prairie experts to see how that program’s principles could work in this region.






Adding wood ash to soil both practical and cost-effective

Adding wood ash to soil both practical and cost-effective

Practical Research: Too often headed for the landfill, ash can reduce soils’ acidity and enhance cropland fertility

Here’s a perfectly good organic source of lime, with plant macro- and micronutrients, being taken from the woodlands and virtually thrown away. Wood ash is an excellent source of magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphate and micronutrients, which can very effectively raise up acid soil pH levels.

It’s well documented that if a micronutrient is missing or deficient, your expected yield could crash.

Soil fertility, revisited 

Practical Research: The history of crop production on the Prairies was one of nutrient extraction at an alarming pace

Soil fertility: a simple concept that requires long and well thought out answers. There are lots of articles on soil nutrient testing, along with many procedures, methods and interpretations.  Early on in the 1970s with Alberta Agriculture, my colleagues and I were very surprised with the answers to the soil testing questions we asked. A […] Read more