Publications

Community supported agriculture in Alberta

Description

Presents information on the growing movement of Community Supported Agriculture or Community Shared Agriculture (CSA). A CSA is a community of individuals or families who support a chosen farm and... More ≫

Description

Presents information on the growing movement of Community Supported Agriculture or Community Shared Agriculture (CSA). A CSA is a community of individuals or families who support a chosen farm and its family. Each individual or family purchases, in advance, a share, called a subscription, of the year’s crop. Thus, the customers become virtual partners or ‘co-producers’ in the farm, sharing risk and reward with the farm family. Throughout the growing season, each week subscribing member receives equal shares of the freshly harvested food from the farmer.

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Pipelines in Alberta : what farmers need to know

Description

This publication provides you, the surface owner or occupant, with a synopsis of the procedures and regulations you may encounter if an energy company constructs and installs a pipeline on your... More ≫

Description

This publication provides you, the surface owner or occupant, with a synopsis of the procedures and regulations you may encounter if an energy company constructs and installs a pipeline on your privately owned or leased land. In recent years, many farmers and ranchers have contacted the Office of the Farmers’ Advocate to request pipeline information unavailable from a single source. This publication, although it doesn’t cover every possible situation, can be used as a general guide. It touches on the major areas of concern and can easily be read in 20 minutes.

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Negotiating surface rights

Description

This pamphlet provides basic information for landowners and occupants who are involved in negotiations related to surface rights.

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Shallow well jet pumps

Description

Shallow well jet pumps are practical for wells or reservoirs that require a total pumping lift of less than 5.5 m (18 ft). Industry Highlights. The three main components of the shallow well jet... More ≫

Description

Shallow well jet pumps are practical for wells or reservoirs that require a total pumping lift of less than 5.5 m (18 ft). Industry Highlights. The three main components of the shallow well jet pump are an electric motor, an impeller and a jet assembly. Although a simple centrifugal pump would pump water at this lift, including a jet assembly will greatly increase the discharge pressure and suction. This combination makes the shallow well jet pump suitable for use in farm water pressure systems.

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Managing cow-calf operations to protect water quality

Description

Manure is a valuable nutrient source to a farm. However, manure contains nutrients, organic matter and micro-organisms that can contaminate water supplies.

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Managing phosphorus to protect water quality

Description

Phosphorus is an important nutrient for plant growth. In aquatic systems, a lack of phosphorus often limits aquatic plant growth. When phosphorus is used up in fresh water, aquatic plant growth... More ≫

Description

Phosphorus is an important nutrient for plant growth. In aquatic systems, a lack of phosphorus often limits aquatic plant growth. When phosphorus is used up in fresh water, aquatic plant growth will stop no matter how much nitrogen is available. Conversely, nitrogen limits crop production. Only a small amount of phosphorus (measured in parts per billion) in fresh water can cause algal blooms and aquatic weed growth. Phosphorus is the nutrient that limits plant growth in aquatic ecosystems. Nitrogen is the primary nutrient that limits terrestrial plant growth.

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Managing nitrogen to protect water quality

Description

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for crop growth. Insufficient nitrogen for growing plants can limit crop production. Soil organic matter, chemical fertilizers and livestock manure are sources of... More ≫

Description

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for crop growth. Insufficient nitrogen for growing plants can limit crop production. Soil organic matter, chemical fertilizers and livestock manure are sources of nitrogen for crop production. Excess nitrogen not used by growing crops coverts to nitrate (NO3-), which can be very mobile in soils. Nitrate can leach through the root zone and contaminate shallow groundwater. Areas with coarse or sandy soils are at greater risk for nitrate leaching to groundwater. Nitrogen can also be carried in runoff and can contaminate surface waters. Nitrogen must be managed properly to increase crop yields and protect water quality. Manure is a valuable source of nitrogen on the farm; however, nitrogen from manure and chemical fertilizers can pollute both surface and groundwater.

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Manure management to protect water quality

Description

Manure use can provide an economic return to the farmer and be beneficial to the environment. When manure is applied according to crop demand and at the appropriate times, manure can provide some... More ≫

Description

Manure use can provide an economic return to the farmer and be beneficial to the environment. When manure is applied according to crop demand and at the appropriate times, manure can provide some of the nutrients required by many crops. Manure also increases soil organic matter and improves soil structure. However, manure can be a pollutant if it reaches surface water (such as streams, rivers or lakes) or leaches past the root zone of crops and into shallow groundwater.

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