Part 2 of 2: New analyses provide test results with handy scores that assess soil using a simple format, and make it easy for Alberta farmers to spot where an intervention or practice change might have the biggest effect.
Tag Archives soil health
Benchmarking soil health in Alberta
Researchers at the Chinook Applied Research Association’s Soil Health Lab have adapted a soil health assessment from Cornell University to evaluate Alberta soils
Measuring the components of healthy soil in Alberta
Part 1 of 2: Soil health more than just its chemical properties, according to the Alberta Soil Health Benchmark Report
The data Prairie farmers get from chemical analysis of soils are necessary to develop a field fertility program — but as an Alberta program shows, those data don’t tell the whole story needed to assess soil health.
Farmers weigh strategies to boost soils’ water-holding capacity
At Ag in Motion, experts discuss soil texture, organic matter and amendments
At Ag in Motion, experts share insights on soil texture, organic matter, cover crops and targeted amendments to help Prairie farmers conserve water and protect yields.
New fertilizer product aims to reduce tie-up, improve soil health
Vancouver-area company’s PhoSul product combines rock phosphate, sulphur and silica
PhoSul, a new phosphorus fertilizer combining rock phosphate, sulfur, and silica to reduce nutrient tie-up and improve soil health, was launched into the Canadian crop market at Ag in Motion 2025.
‘Sustainable’ versus ‘regenerative’ agriculture
Practical Research: Defining these terms in a farming context can be confusing to each and all of us
It seems there is confusion between the terms “sustainable” and “regenerative” as applied to agriculture. Both are even perceived, in some instances, as forms of organic farming.
Decoding the science behind the story
Reporter’s Notebook: The more I do this, the more familiar the terms become
Some days my job becomes a bit like codebreaking: I have to take the specialist language of science and translate it into something useful, not just readable.
Alberta agronomist sees both sides of regenerative agriculture
Author Scott Gillespie offers producers advice on how to practically apply the soil regeneration movement to their farms
Alberta agronomist and author Scott Gillespie has seen farmers choose agricultural systems that seem right on the surface but don’t make a noticeable, economically sustainable difference.
Black tables soil health protection bill in Senate
Legislation would recognize soil as a strategic national asset
Senator Rob Black sponsored Bill S-230, An Act Respecting the Development of a National Strategy for Soil Health Protection, Conservation and Enhancement. If passed, it would mandate the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and other relevant ministers, to develop a national soil health strategy.
Saskatchewan Crop Report: Seeding ahead of average pace
18 per cent of Saskatchewan crop planted
Saskatchewan farmers have already seeded 18 per cent of the province's projected crop as of May 5, well ahead of historical averages due to dry weather.
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.
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
