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Removing forages from the rotation in a direct seeding system

Description

Using herbicides and direct seeding equipment can be an effective way to remove forages from a rotation. Each producer needs to design his or her own program for removing forages, considering the... More ≫

Description

Using herbicides and direct seeding equipment can be an effective way to remove forages from a rotation. Each producer needs to design his or her own program for removing forages, considering the type of forage to be removed and the crop that will be seeded.

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Fertilizing eroded knolls

Description

Many farmers have fields dotted with eroded knolls that are relatively unproductive. This fact sheet takes a quick look at the best ways to restore the productivity of these knolls.

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Fall-applied nitrogen : risks and benefits

Description

This fact sheet provides a summary about the effectiveness of fall nitrogen fertilization.

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Sulphur fertilizer application in crop production

Description

Sulphur is required in the development of fertile canola flowers and must be present for good nodule development on legume forages such as alfalfa and pulse crop roots such as pea and faba bean.

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Phosphorus fertilizer application in crop production

Description

For optimum crop production, an adequate supply of P close to the seed during the first six weeks of growth and an adequate amount of P in the soil for the rest of the season are ideal. Placement... More ≫

Description

For optimum crop production, an adequate supply of P close to the seed during the first six weeks of growth and an adequate amount of P in the soil for the rest of the season are ideal. Placement of P in-row with cereal and oilseed crops has been the traditional method used for P fertilization in Alberta. Pre-plant banding of P with nitrogen has been found to be a good alternative method of application under certain conditions. However, under conditions of low to medium soil P coupled with low soil temperatures, 'starter' P in the seed row is frequently very beneficial for annual crops.

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Potassium fertilizer application in crop production

Description

Potassium (K) is required by all plant and animal life. While potassium is not a commonly limiting soil nutrient in crop production in Alberta, about 15 per cent of Alberta soils used for annual... More ≫

Description

Potassium (K) is required by all plant and animal life. While potassium is not a commonly limiting soil nutrient in crop production in Alberta, about 15 per cent of Alberta soils used for annual crop production are estimated to have slight to moderate potassium deficiency.

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Management of sodic soils in Alberta

Description

Sodic soils have relatively high sodium levels. In many situations, sodic soils are best left in the native state or seeded to a tolerant forage crop. Often, the highest agricultural use of sodic... More ≫

Description

Sodic soils have relatively high sodium levels. In many situations, sodic soils are best left in the native state or seeded to a tolerant forage crop. Often, the highest agricultural use of sodic soils is for carefully managed livestock grazing. If reclamation is considered, it is recommended that producers work with a knowledgeable agrologist with expertise in soil science and salt-affected soils. The first step to improving management is to correctly diagnose the soil problem by proper intensive soil sampling and analysis. If sodic soil conditions are diagnosed and reclamation is considered, a detailed soil analysis is needed for electrical conductivity, sodium adsorption ratio, exchangeable sodium, free lime, soil pH and cation exchange capacity.

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Perennial forages for saline seeps

Description

Planting perennial forages into saline seep areas is one of several recommended practices for salinity control. Forages differ in their salinity and flood tolerance, with several appropriate... More ≫

Description

Planting perennial forages into saline seep areas is one of several recommended practices for salinity control. Forages differ in their salinity and flood tolerance, with several appropriate species available depending on the specific farm situation. This fact sheet discusses how to choose which salt tolerant forage or forage mixes to grow in saline seeps, which will depend on the desired land use for the affected area.

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Vegetative control of saline seep recharge

Description

Ensuring that available precipitation is used for productive crop growth rather than contributing to runoff or groundwater buildup is one of the most practical and cost effective control... More ≫

Description

Ensuring that available precipitation is used for productive crop growth rather than contributing to runoff or groundwater buildup is one of the most practical and cost effective control strategies for contact or slope-change salinity. This approach involves rotations with deep-rooted perennials and annual crops that are more water-use-intensive than traditional cropping practices.

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Grassed waterway improvement and gully restoration

Description

Each year, tonnes of topsoil are eroded from localized areas on some Alberta farms. This loss is serious for several reasons: * The remaining soil has less productivity. * Eroded soils deposited... More ≫

Description

Each year, tonnes of topsoil are eroded from localized areas on some Alberta farms. This loss is serious for several reasons: * The remaining soil has less productivity. * Eroded soils deposited elsewhere in the field carry nutrients and pesticides that will increase the range of soil conditions in the field. * Eroded soil may be carried into nearby watercourses, reducing water quality. The Alberta Soil Conservation Act places the responsibility for controlling erosion on the landowner and requires municipalities to appoint a soil conservation officer to administer the Act locally.

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