High-nitrate feeds can be deadly for overwintering beef cows. They can be used, but only if they’re processed and diluted in a lower nitrate ration.
Tag Archives Nitrate
Prevent nitrate poisoning in overwintering beef cows
Better Bunks and Pastures: High-nitrate feeds can be used, but only if they’re processed and diluted in a lower-nitrate ration
Understanding soil phosphorus, part 1
Agronomy Management: Rotations and fertilizer management have dramatic effects on pools of organic and inorganic P
Farmers and agronomists are very aware that phosphorus (P) is an essential element needed for optimum crop production in Western Canada. Most soils used for annual crops in Western Canada are very low, low or medium in plant-available soil P and are responsive to added P fertilizer. As a result, phosphate fertilizer use is second […] Read more
Les Henry: How deep is deep?
Let us stretch your brain
Thanks to readers for your book orders and kind notes of encouragement about my column. A recurring comment from readers is they appreciate the “thought provoking” ideas. Over many years of writing, there have been many articles that just provide facts and figures and specific recommendations for crop and soil conditions. However, some are designed […] Read more
Your fall fertility primer
Get a head start on next year’s crops with these fertility guidelines, options and pro tips
Many Prairie farmers choose to apply fertilizers to their fields in the fall to save time in the spring — a strategy Farmers Edge agronomist Thom Weir believes makes good sense for a couple of reasons. “There’s lots of data that shows seeding early has a significant benefit to yield,” he says, adding that for […] Read more
Drought-stricken corn can make dangerous silage
High nitrate levels, moulds and toxins might prevail
Much of this year’s corn crop across the southern Prairies has been once again hit by drought. My photograph of a southern Manitoba cornfield in mid-August shows one of the worst cornfields I have ever seen. It tasselled out early with curled grey leaves and no visible cobs on its stalk. Most whole plants were […] Read more
The future of broadcasting nitrogen in the fall
The inefficient practice is on the rise; however limits may be on the way in Manitoba
Broadcasting in fall is the quickest and easiest way to apply nitrogen — and the least efficient. So why, anecdotally at least, does the practice seem to be on the increase? Bigger farms and a shortage of labour could be part of it. Moreover, nobody knows when poor weather will shut down field operations. And […] Read more
Nitrate in the environment
Agriculture is a big part of nitrogen movement. Let's measure what we're doing
This column has dealt with “nitrate down the well” a few times in the past. To make a long story short: Nitrate-contaminated farm wells have been known since 1945 when the first case of infant “blue-baby” was related to a contaminated farm well in Iowa. A 1948 survey of 2,000 Saskatchewan farm wells found 18 […] 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
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
