The federal department of agriculture is developing policies and programs that will fit within the environmental pillar of the agricultural policy framework. A system of incentives will be developed to encourage the adoption of sustainable farm practices, also know as best management practices or BMPs.
- Reduced tillage – Tillage agitates the soil and exposes soil bound carbons to the atmosphere. The result is carbon dioxide, which is released into the atmosphere. By reducing tillage and minimizing summerfallow, soil carbon reserves are maximized.
- Increased yields through improved fertilization – Applying chemical fertilizers more precisely and at the proper growth stage results in higher yields, more plant residue and fewer losses of unused nitrogen, or nitrous oxide, into the atmosphere. Using non-commercial fertilizers such as animal waste and green manure crops reduces greenhouse gas production as does production of high-yielding, high-biomass cereal varieties.
- Add legumes to the crop rotation – Including legumes in the rotation fixes nitrogen in the soil and reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers. The production, transportation and application of chemical fertilizers add to Canada’s overall greenhouse gas production.
- Remove land from cultivation – By taking marginal land out of annual crop production, and establishing woodlots, pastureland, forage cover or shelterbelts, carbon sequestration is maximized in plant material.
- Avoid burning crop residues -ÊWhen straw is burned, carbon is released into the atmosphere. Improved straw management practices such as straight combining, straw chopper maintenance and baling reduces carbon dioxide levels and preserves soil moisture.
- Consider livestock – Integrating livestock and crop production allows marginal land to be used for grazing and forage production and encourages more diverse crop rotations. Converting farmland to grazing and forage production reduces fuel consumption and the use of chemicals and fertilizers.
- Improve grazing techniques – Adopt responsible grazing techniques. Maximize carbon reserves by avoiding overgrazing and minimizing access to sensitive riparian areas.
- Reduce fuel consumption – Reduce fuel costs by adopting minimum or zero-tillage . Maintain equipment for greater fuel efficiency. Reduce transportation and seek on-farm uses for low-value crops.
- Use greener fuels – Ethanol and biodiesel are produced from plant-based carbons rather than fossil fuels. Examine the potential of using alternative fuels on the farm.
- Reduce methane production – Agricultural activities including domestic livestock production account for nearly 50 percent of global methane emissions.
- Manage manure wisely – Consider composting. Aerate manure and compost regularly to encourage production of carbon dioxide rather than methane, a more harmful gas that is produced in anaerobic conditions. Look for alternatives to liquid manure storage, which is conducive to methane production.
- Improve livestock rations – Methane is also produced by the fermentation of feed during ruminant digestion. Using feed rations that contain more protein and less roughage can reduce the amount of time feed remains in the rumen, thereby reducing methane.
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For more details on the adoption of best management practices, visit the Western Producer website at www.producer.com and click on Links in the News.
