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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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Using 1,000 kernel weight for calculating seeding rates and harvest losses

Description

The 1,000 kernel (1,000 K) weight is a measure of seed size. It is the weight in grams of 1,000 seeds. Seed size and the 1,000 K weight can vary from one crop to another, between varieties of the... More ≫

Description

The 1,000 kernel (1,000 K) weight is a measure of seed size. It is the weight in grams of 1,000 seeds. Seed size and the 1,000 K weight can vary from one crop to another, between varieties of the same crop and even from year to year or from field to field of the same variety. Because of this variation in seed size, the number of seeds and, consequently, the number of plants in a pound or a bushel of seed is also highly variable. By using the 1,000 K weight, a producer can account for seed size variations when calculating seeding rates, calibrating seed drills and estimating shattering and combine losses.

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Faba bean seeding management in Alberta

Description

Faba bean production in Alberta has been increasing due to new marketing opportunities, the availability of new varieties and the need for new pulse crops in rotations. Recent small plot research... More ≫

Description

Faba bean production in Alberta has been increasing due to new marketing opportunities, the availability of new varieties and the need for new pulse crops in rotations. Recent small plot research trials, conducted in south and central Alberta, have reported faba bean yields up to 10,575 kg ha-1 (157 bu acre-1). Although small plot yields are often higher than what producers can achieve on a field scale, it is a good indication that faba beans can be a high yielding, profitable crop. Seeding faba beans early as possible and at the correct seeding rate are critical steps in producing high yields that mature in Alberta’s relatively short growing season.

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Controlling field pea diseases in direct seeding systems

Description

Of all the crops seeded on the prairies, field peas are often said to be the most easily adapted to direct seeding. For this reason, a large percentage of the pea acreage is direct seeded. Whether... More ≫

Description

Of all the crops seeded on the prairies, field peas are often said to be the most easily adapted to direct seeding. For this reason, a large percentage of the pea acreage is direct seeded. Whether in a direct or conventional seeding system, the field pea crop requires close observation for disease throughout the growing season. Several economically important diseases can affect field peas.

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Making the move to direct seeding

Description

Direct seeding offers several benefits over conventional tillage, including improved yield potential and time savings for field operations. However, the change to direct seeding is a change to a... More ≫

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Direct seeding offers several benefits over conventional tillage, including improved yield potential and time savings for field operations. However, the change to direct seeding is a change to a different cropping system. It requires a new approach to crop residue, weed and fertility management. It may also require crop rotation changes to prevent specific pest problems that were kept in check by tillage. If you plan to seed directly into standing stubble, here are a few things to keep in mind.

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Estimating the value of crop residues

Description

Crop residues - straw plus chaff - are the byproducts of harvesting annual grain crops. Retaining crop residues on a field improves or maintains soil quality and moisture. The economic value of... More ≫

Description

Crop residues - straw plus chaff - are the byproducts of harvesting annual grain crops. Retaining crop residues on a field improves or maintains soil quality and moisture. The economic value of retaining or removing crop residues from the field depends on the following: present level of soil organic matter; field's soil erosion risk; nutrient levels in the residues and soil; soil's moisture content; value of using the residues for other purposes such as bedding, coarse feed or industrial uses such as fibreboard; effects of any problems caused by poorly spread or heavy residues (such as the need for extra field operations)

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Crop rotations in direct seeding

Description

Crop rotations are a vital part of direct seeding systems. Rotations maximize the benefits of moisture conservation and reduce the impacts of diseases, weeds and insect pests.

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Foxtail barley control in direct seeding systems

Description

Foxtail barley is a tough-to-control perennial weed in zero tillage systems. Herbicides containing glyphosate can effectively control seedlings at relatively low rates with much higher rates... More ≫

Description

Foxtail barley is a tough-to-control perennial weed in zero tillage systems. Herbicides containing glyphosate can effectively control seedlings at relatively low rates with much higher rates required for control of mature plants. Cultural practices that encourage a competitive crop, such as high seeding rates and banding of nitrogen fertilizer, help to reduce yield losses and slow the spread of foxtail barley.

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Downy brome control in direct seeding systems

Description

Downy brome is a winter annual, grassy weed that is becoming increasingly troublesome in southern Alberta. Its rapid increase in density and distribution on cropland is associated with fall-seeded... More ≫

Description

Downy brome is a winter annual, grassy weed that is becoming increasingly troublesome in southern Alberta. Its rapid increase in density and distribution on cropland is associated with fall-seeded crops and minimum tillage systems. Key control practices for winter wheat or fall rye include leaving an interval of at least three to four years between fall-seeded crops and adding an oilseed or pulse crop to the rotation. For minimum tillage systems, glyphosate applied in late fall or early spring provides better control than tillage, especially under cool, wet conditions. Higher rates of glyphosate are necessary to control downy brome after heading.

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Perennial forage establishment in Alberta

Description

The first step to a productive perennial forage stand is strong seedling establishment. Before the seeding equipment enters the field, several factors must be considered.

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