Plant Establishment

Field study compares canola emergence based on wheat residue treatment

Key result: This study compared two choppers and three post-harvest residue treatments of wheat residue and found no significant differences in canola emergence across treatments. However, the researcher still recommends proper residue management for a good canola plant stand. Uneven and poorly distributed residue can lead to challenges, including uneven seed depth the following spring,...
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Plant Establishment

Cultivar the major management factor for canola emergence rate

Key result: Cultivar choice is the most influential factor for canola emergence percentage, this study found. Seeding date also influenced emergence, but this was mainly a function of environmental conditions. All environmental variables influenced emergence, and temperature and heat units were consistently more influential than precipitation and moisture. Studies have shown that seeding speed and...
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Fertility Management

New soil health score can measure benefits of farm management

Science Edition: Fertility Management
Key result: Researchers developed a Saskatchewan soil health assessment protocol and scoring functions, providing the foundation for tools to transform a farmer’s routine soil test data into a Saskatchewan Soil Health Score. These scores can track soil health status over time, and can measure the effect of farm management on soil health status. Soil health...
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Fertility Management

Study compares seven strategies to reduce fertilizer inputs

Science Edition: Fertility Management
Key result: This study compared seven cropping systems in year one, followed by canola in year two and wheat in year three. On a benefit:cost ratio basis, three treatments – year-one cattle manure, year-one green manure crop, and annual application of bio-stimulants – would perform better than other cropping systems investigated in this study. Alberta...
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Fertility Management

Deep-banding fertilizer may have logistical benefits

Science Edition: Fertility Management
Key result: Overall, crop response was generally not linked to deep or shallow placement of phosphorus or potassium. Deep banding (5-6”) these nutrients at higher rates once every three years is an option if logistics make it a challenge to apply these products in a shallow band at the time of seeding. Long-term direct seeding...
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