Science

Night spraying outperforms dawn for weed management

On average, herbicides were most effective when applied in the daytime, and night spraying gave better results than dawn application.
Science Edition 2015—Key practice: Midday herbicide applications are most effective for canola; midnight application for grassy weeds. Project title, Lead researcher: “Night spraying — Pesticide efficacy with night time application (2012-14),” Ken Coles, Farming Smarter Grower organization funder: ACPC Any reduction in herbicide efficacy quickly impacts the return on input investment. With the short Prairie growing season,...
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Science

Seed at 1/2″ to 1″ deep

Science Edition 2014—Key practice: Optimum seeding depth is ½” to 1″ below the press wheel furrow. This reduces days to emergence and improves plant population and uniformity, which produce season-long benefits. Key research: Harker, K. Neil, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). “Seeding Depth and Seeding Speed Effects on No-Till Canola Emergence, Maturity, Yield and Seed Quality.” Canola...
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Science

Apply enough nitrogen

Science Edition 2014—Key practice: Use soil tests, ideally taken at consistent locations (GPS helps), and base rate decisions on soil test recommendations. Key research: S.A. Brandt, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), et al.“Seeding rate, fertilizer level and disease management effects on hybrid versus open pollinated canola (Brassica napus L.)” Canadian Journal of Plant Science, 2007. R.E. Blackshaw,...
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Science

Follow insect thresholds

Science Edition 2014—Key practice: Follow insect thresholds to manage input costs against potential yield response. Conserve and protect natural enemies and beneficial insects by using economic thresholds to determine the need and timing for insecticidal controls. Key research: Bracken, G.K. and Bucher, G.E. “An Estimate of the Relation Between Density of Bertha Armyworm and Yield Loss on...
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Science

Put only phosphate in the seed row

Science Edition 2014—Key practice: Ensure safe rates of seed-placed fertilizer to improve nutrient-deficient soil conditions without increasing seedling mortality. The safest step is to put only phosphate in the seed row, and all other fertilizer outside the seed row. Key research: Grant, Cynthia, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). “Improving Nutrient Management in Canola and Canola-Based Cropping Systems.”...
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