Publications

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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Dryland agronomic practices for spring triticale production in Alberta

Description

Triticale is a human-made crop developed by crossing rye (Secale cereale L.) and common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) or durum (T. turgidum L.). It is an attractive crop for use as a feed grain,... More ≫

Description

Triticale is a human-made crop developed by crossing rye (Secale cereale L.) and common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) or durum (T. turgidum L.). It is an attractive crop for use as a feed grain, cereal silage or a biofuel feedstock due to greater grain yield potential, weed competitiveness and tolerance to drought and pests, more so than its ancestral species.

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Dryland agronomic management of soft white spring wheat and Canada prairie spring wheat in Alberta

Description

SWSW and CPS wheat are attractive crops for biofuel production due to the higher grain yield potential, weed competitiveness and starch content. From 2009 to 2012, field plot studies were... More ≫

Description

SWSW and CPS wheat are attractive crops for biofuel production due to the higher grain yield potential, weed competitiveness and starch content. From 2009 to 2012, field plot studies were conducted at five different soil zone/agro-ecological locations (Dark Brown, Thin Black – south, Thin Black – central, Black and Gray soil zones) in Alberta, with a focus on the Parkland Region. The study showed that SWSW and CPS wheat types can be grown successfully under dryland conditions in southern and central Alberta.

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Malting barley

Description

Provides guidance for the successful production of malting barley, including choosing a variety, selecting a field, seeding, weed and disease control, harvesting, and preparing a representative... More ≫

Description

Provides guidance for the successful production of malting barley, including choosing a variety, selecting a field, seeding, weed and disease control, harvesting, and preparing a representative sample of the harvested crop.

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Alberta forage manual

Description

The Alberta Forage Manual, 2nd Edition, offers producers comprehensive information on a range of forage topics: adaptation, legumes and grasses, annuals, mixtures, establishment, fertility,... More ≫

Description

The Alberta Forage Manual, 2nd Edition, offers producers comprehensive information on a range of forage topics: adaptation, legumes and grasses, annuals, mixtures, establishment, fertility, pasture management, harvesting and rejuvenation. In addition, sections on forage pest insects and diseases present detailed discussion of these problems in forage crops, helping producers diagnose damage. The extensive descriptions of forage species and their growth habits will help in planning forage management programs. Fully illustrated with colour images, line drawings, tables, charts and graphs, this forage reference work provides a wealth of information.

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High protein wheat production

Description

Canadian hard red and durum wheats have long been recognized as premium quality grains by the milling and pasta industries. This quality is due primarily to the protein component of the grain.... More ≫

Description

Canadian hard red and durum wheats have long been recognized as premium quality grains by the milling and pasta industries. This quality is due primarily to the protein component of the grain. The protein premiums offered on these classes of wheat show how each increase in protein level leads to better returns for the producer (see Table 1). Protein premiums are paid on 0.1 per cent increments, but only selective (0.5 per cent) increments are given to illustrate the premiums.

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Fertilizing grass for hay and pasture

Description

An important part of efficient livestock production is ensuring there is sufficient grass for both hay and pasture. However, low soil nutrient levels often limit forage production. With good soil... More ≫

Description

An important part of efficient livestock production is ensuring there is sufficient grass for both hay and pasture. However, low soil nutrient levels often limit forage production. With good soil fertility and fertilizer management, the productivity of many hay and pasture fields can be greatly improved.

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Soil and nutrient management of alfalfa

Description

Ensuring adequate soil fertility levels and effectively managing nutrients are two keys to growing alfalfa successfully in Alberta. Alfalfa can produce from 2 to 7 tons of dry matter per acre... More ≫

Description

Ensuring adequate soil fertility levels and effectively managing nutrients are two keys to growing alfalfa successfully in Alberta. Alfalfa can produce from 2 to 7 tons of dry matter per acre depending on water and nutrients levels. Climate, soil type and management will also affect alfalfa’s potential yield. Alfalfa has a high demand for nutrients compared to other crops. Table 1 gives the approximate amount of each nutrient removed per ton of dry matter alfalfa. Alfalfa also requires 4 to 5 inches of water for each ton of dry matter produced.

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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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Tall fescue seed production in western Canada

Description

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is used for forage and turf purposes around the world. Native to central Europe, the plant was introduced to the U.S. in the late 1800s and into Canada in... More ≫

Description

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is used for forage and turf purposes around the world. Native to central Europe, the plant was introduced to the U.S. in the late 1800s and into Canada in the early 1920s from England. Before the early 1980s, tall fescue varieties were developed mainly for forage production, but since that time, more turf-type varieties have been developed for recreational uses.

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