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Sustainable crop rotations for Alberta's brown soil zone

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In the Brown soil zone of southeastern Alberta, summerfallow and a monoculture wheat systems are the primary cropping practice. However, the long-term environmental sustainability of cropping... More ≫

Description

In the Brown soil zone of southeastern Alberta, summerfallow and a monoculture wheat systems are the primary cropping practice. However, the long-term environmental sustainability of cropping systems that include summerfallow remains in question. This fact sheet summarizes the results of a study that was undertaken to determine the effects of different cropping practices on soil quality in the long-term, and to determine the economic performance of several crop rotation alternatives in the Brown soil zone.

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Grasshopper management

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Grasshoppers are a major pest of both cultivated crops and rangeland grasses in the world’s semi-arid regions. Traditionally drier areas like southern Alberta are more prone to recurring problems,... More ≫

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Grasshoppers are a major pest of both cultivated crops and rangeland grasses in the world’s semi-arid regions. Traditionally drier areas like southern Alberta are more prone to recurring problems, but serious grasshopper infestations can occur in cropland throughout the province. Although the majority of grasshopper damage has been to cereal grains, other crops can be seriously affected. This fact sheet provides information on significant species of grasshoppers in Alberta, including each specie’s significant food supply. Information is also provide on grasshopper control and the economic threshold at which control measures become viable.

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Quinoa ... the next cinderella crop for Alberta?

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The main objective of the study was to investigate the market, technical, agronomic and economic feasibilities of producing quinoa in Alberta and selling it in domestic and international markets.... More ≫

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The main objective of the study was to investigate the market, technical, agronomic and economic feasibilities of producing quinoa in Alberta and selling it in domestic and international markets. The ultimate goal is to introduce quinoa to Alberta as a source of a starch, fat replacing ingredient in many diet products, high quality protein and saponin products for industry, and as a contribution to crop diversification and the competitive use of set-aside or marginal lands.

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Post-emergent swine manure injection on cereal crops

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With increased hog production in Western Canada, manure is becoming a valuable fertilizer source to farms that are near hog operations. Most swine manure is applied to annual cropland in the fall... More ≫

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With increased hog production in Western Canada, manure is becoming a valuable fertilizer source to farms that are near hog operations. Most swine manure is applied to annual cropland in the fall or spring of each year. This study looked at the possible benefits of extending the application season to include manure injection at the post-emergent crop stage. It was found that post-emergent, low-disturbance injection of swine manure on wheat was an effective and economic means of boosting grain protein. However, late manure application, after the wheat was past the 3-leaf state, resulted in potential yield loss due to coulter injection and wheel track damage.

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Beneficial management practices : environmental manual for Alberta farmsteads [2006 edition]

Description

This manual has been designed to provide you, an Alberta producer, with information about beneficial management practices (BMPs) that deal with environmental risks on rural farmstead sites. BMPs... More ≫

Description

This manual has been designed to provide you, an Alberta producer, with information about beneficial management practices (BMPs) that deal with environmental risks on rural farmstead sites. BMPs maintain or improve a farm’s soil, water, air and wildlife habitat resources, and therefore contribute to the farmstead’s overall sustainability and to the economic and environmental health of the farm family, as well as the surrounding landscape and community. Since the farmstead is the heart of your operation, it is important to learn how to identify areas of potential risk. This manual offers you options for managing those areas of risk so that your farmstead remains the key to the health of your family, your livestock and the environment.

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