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.
Tag Archives soil health
Saskatchewan Crop Report: Seeding ahead of average pace
18 per cent of Saskatchewan crop planted
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.
Cover cropping requires intention
Science Brief: Keep your goals in mind
A recent study of cover cropping in Western Canada underlines the importance of setting goals before adopting the practice. Jodi Holzman, who graduated from Royal Roads University with a master’s of science in environment and management, surveyed 26 farmers from across Western Canada who grew cover crops. She then conducted in-depth interviews with six farmers […] Read more
Soil health benchmarking survey 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
Every farmer wants “healthy soil.” But what does that mean, and how do they know if they have it? “The first question I ask when I’m speaking to farmers is, ‘How many of you have done soil testing?’” says Yamily Zavala, PhD, soil health lab manager and soil health and crop management specialist at the […] Read more
Supersized grain carts a weighty problem
They can boost harvest efficiencies, but also ramp up risk of serious soil compaction. Here are some tips to reduce that risk
Grain carts can still cause serious soil compaction whether they’re on tracks or wheels, but Scott Shearer’s research at Ohio State indicates less of a yield hit with tracks compared to wheels in unfavourable soil conditions. Here are some tips to reduce compaction risk.
Getting greener: How Prairie cereals have reduced their carbon footprint
Reports shed new light on Prairie cereal growers’ work implementing best practices
Cereals Canada released several reports on March 20 highlighting the relatively small environmental footprint of Canadian wheat, durum, barley and oats compared against other top-producing countries.
Cropland threatened by toxic metals: study
Up to 17 per cent of agricultural land at risk
Up to 17 per cent of cropland around the globe is contaminated by toxic metals, threatening agriculture and human health in the affected areas, according to new research published in the journal Science.
Saskatchewan farm making compost pellets for added fertilizer
After years of trials, Kyle Heggie thinks his system is crop-ready
Kyle Heggie has been spreading a unique blend of compost on his crops for years, and has also used on-farm trials to test the practicality of mid-row banding compost “pellets” into the seed row next to the seed.
It may be time for lime on acid soils
Liming may be an expensive option — but it’s the only proven method to raise soil pH
Acidic soil can plague crop producers with nutrient deficiencies and poor root growth, leading to reduced yields. Lime can be expensive, but may pencil out as the most important fertilizer treatment for those soils.
Soil pH levels can help make seeding decisions
The pH scale is exponential, so small changes in pH mean big shifts in acidity or alkalinity
Small changes in pH reflect significant shifts in acidity or alkalinity due to the exponential nature of the scale.
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
