Science

Assessing current soil-test based fertilizer recommendations

Key Result: Soil-test-based fertilizer applications can be a sustainable and economical technique to optimize crop production and profit margin, but aren’t always used due to questions of effectiveness. This study found that soil test recommendations are fairly accurate and provide good information to growers in both direct seeding and conventional tillage systems. Project title, Principal...
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Science

Identifying and controlling cutworms

During cutworm outbreaks, accurate and rapid identification is required to maximize control methods.
Key result: A pest complex of economically significant cutworm species can be found on the Prairies, and outbreaks seem to be occurring with greater frequency. This study has resulted in a DNA protocol for quick, accurate identification of cutworm species; identification of natural enemies and evaluation of their ability to develop on different cutworm species;...
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Feature

Grower-funded research projects

Canola growers across the Prairies fund dozens of research projects with their levy payments to SCDC, ACPC and MCGA. Many of those projects are funded jointly through CARP —an arrangement that has been ongoing for almost 30 years. Other projects are funded through arrangements with other organizations listed in these summaries. Here are short descriptions and updates for all ongoing projects directly funded by provincial canola grower organizations.

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Growing Forward 2 projects

The federal government’s $15 million investment in canola research through Growing Forward 2 combined with the canola industry’s $5 million contribution (which includes input from the canola grower organizations) is funding 23 research projects for five years. Here are short descriptions and progress reports for 15 agronomy projects on that list.

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Science

Long-term no-till improves early N availability

Key Practice: With longer periods under no-till management, soil organic matter may attain a new equilibrium level, and nitrogen (N) mineralization may increase. This can result in lower N requirements. Project Title, Lead researcher: “Quantifying the economic and soil quality benefits of long-term no-till using a canola-spring wheat rotation,” 2012-14, Christiane Catellier and Chris Holzapfel,...
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