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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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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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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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Controlling quack grass in direct seeding systems

Description

Quack grass can reduce crop yields if it is not controlled. This weed is most common in the higher moisture regions of Alberta and has the potential to increase under direct seeding unless... More ≫

Description

Quack grass can reduce crop yields if it is not controlled. This weed is most common in the higher moisture regions of Alberta and has the potential to increase under direct seeding unless actively managed. Effective herbicidal control options are numerous in broad-leaved crops. In canola, herbicide-tolerant varieties offer additional herbicide options. In wheat, quack grass can be suppressed with Sundance or Anthem. In-crop control options for barley are limited. Glyphosate offers pre-seeding, pre-harvest and post-harvest control options and provides the basis for limiting the expansion of quack grass.

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Equipment issues in crop residue management for direct seeding

Description

Uniform and wide distribution of straw and chaff residues is essential in direct seeding systems. You must spread residues evenly to avoid or reduce problems such as: equipment plugging; poor seed... More ≫

Description

Uniform and wide distribution of straw and chaff residues is essential in direct seeding systems. You must spread residues evenly to avoid or reduce problems such as: equipment plugging; poor seed placement; disease, weed and insect infestations; nutrient tie-up; and cold soil under straw piles and heavy residue mats.

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Controlling canola insect pests in direct seeding systems

Description

Insect pest management in canola requires field scouting and accurate, frequent monitoring regardless of whether conventional or direct seeding systems are used.›

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Controlling wheat diseases in direct seeding systems

Description

Disease control in wheat requires good agronomic practices whether conventional or direct seeding systems are used. Weather conditions and crop rotations are much more important factors than the... More ≫

Description

Disease control in wheat requires good agronomic practices whether conventional or direct seeding systems are used. Weather conditions and crop rotations are much more important factors than the amount of tillage in determining disease occurrence and intensity.

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