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.
Tag Archives soil health
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
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.
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.
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
