Publications

Ammonia volatilization from manure application

Description

The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide producers and farm managers with information that will help quantify the amount of ammonia loss that occurs when they apply manure on land. It also... More ≫

Description

The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide producers and farm managers with information that will help quantify the amount of ammonia loss that occurs when they apply manure on land. It also provides them with information regarding the factors that positively and negatively affect these losses. The fact sheet is also a good source of information on best management practices producers could use to mitigate and control ammonia losses from the land application of manure.

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Emergence and yield comparison of mid row and side banding seeding/fertilizer systems

Description

Results of a major seeding research project conducted in Saskatchewan during the 2000, 2001 and 2002 growing years were presented in the report The Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer Placement,... More ≫

Description

Results of a major seeding research project conducted in Saskatchewan during the 2000, 2001 and 2002 growing years were presented in the report The Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer Placement, Formulation, Timing, and Rate on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Agronomic Performance. This detailed Research Update presents a preliminary summary of the findings, with with a special focus on an agronomic comparison of mid-row banding and side-banding systems.

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Fertilizing grass for hay and pasture

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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

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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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Alberta fertilizer guide

Description

The purpose of this guide is to provide information on the use of fertilizers under the various cropping and soil-climate conditions throughout the province. Because the nutrient requirements of... More ≫

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The purpose of this guide is to provide information on the use of fertilizers under the various cropping and soil-climate conditions throughout the province. Because the nutrient requirements of crops and the ability of soils to supply nutrients vary widely, fertilizer recommendations are given as a range of application rates typical of a particular crop and soil-climatic area. Factors to consider when choosing application rates for specific situations are discussed in the guide. Farmers are encouraged to use the fertilizer guide in conjunction with soil tests and their own experience to develop an effective and economic fertilizer program.

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Manure application and nutrient balance on rangeland

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Manure application on native rangeland is not a recommended practice. Native rangelands are very fragile, with diverse eco-systems that have taken centuries to evolve to their present day steady... More ≫

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Manure application on native rangeland is not a recommended practice. Native rangelands are very fragile, with diverse eco-systems that have taken centuries to evolve to their present day steady state. In summary, the productivity of rangeland is self-maintained. Plant nutrients are naturally recycled and reused, but remain in equilibrium. When manure is applied beyond what is naturally applied by grazing animals, the natural self-sustaining system is disrupted.

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Wood ash : an alternative liming material for agricultural soils

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Many forestry facilities in Alberta use bark, sawdust and yard waste, commonly referred to as "hogfuel," to generate steam, electricity and heat for plant operations. There are also several... More ≫

Description

Many forestry facilities in Alberta use bark, sawdust and yard waste, commonly referred to as "hogfuel," to generate steam, electricity and heat for plant operations. There are also several facilities that use hogfuel as an energy source to generate electricity. More than 180,000 tonnes of energy system wood ash produced annually at pulp mills, sawmills, oriented strand board and fibre board plants is currently disposed of in industrial or regional landfills.

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Fertilizer requirements of irrigated alfalfa

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Ensuring soil fertility levels are adequate is a major factor to consider when growing irrigated alfalfa in southern Alberta. Irrigated alfalfa will produce 5 to 6 tons of dry matter per acre if... More ≫

Description

Ensuring soil fertility levels are adequate is a major factor to consider when growing irrigated alfalfa in southern Alberta. Irrigated alfalfa will produce 5 to 6 tons of dry matter per acre if it receives sufficient amounts of water and nutrients. Climate, soil type and management will all affect the yield a producer can expect from an alfalfa crop. Alfalfa has a high demand for nutrients compared to other crops.

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Guidelines for the application of municipal wastewater sludges to agricultural lands

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In Alberta, it is common practice to apply sludge or biosolids to agricultural lands as a nutrient source; however, this must be done in accordance with standards and guidelines developed by the... More ≫

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In Alberta, it is common practice to apply sludge or biosolids to agricultural lands as a nutrient source; however, this must be done in accordance with standards and guidelines developed by the government. The issues and benefits associated with this type of application are extensive. Issues involve contamination of the receiving soils with metals, chemicals, drugs and pharmaceuticals, as well as changes to soil properties and chemistry, from repeated applications. The benefits of sewage sludge application are its nutrient value and its use as a soil amendment rather than burning or landfilling it. The Guidelines ate designed to maximize benefits and reduce potential hazards.

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Fertilizing winter wheat in southern Alberta

Description

Generally, direct seeding proved to be quite successful in establishing winter wheat. In most years, germination and emergence of winter wheat was superior on direct seeded plots over... More ≫

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Generally, direct seeding proved to be quite successful in establishing winter wheat. In most years, germination and emergence of winter wheat was superior on direct seeded plots over conventionally tilled plots. This outcome was the result of improved seedbed soil moisture and more uniform seedbed in the undisturbed soil. Results showed that nitrogen fertilizer can be successfully applied in the fall without reducing winter wheat survival. Applying all nitrogen fertilizer at the time of seeding in the fall is more effective than broadcasting all N fertilizer in the spring. Also, using a split application strategy can work reasonably well. This option is to apply a portion of the N fertilizer at the time of seeding, then broadcast the remaining N in the spring using ammonium nitrate fertilizer

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