Farmers should consider a few factors before opting to bale and sell their straw, according to an Alberta Agriculture agrologist.
“It’s kind of a tough one. One farmer thinks the straw is a cost to them while others think it’s a benefit,” said Trevor Schoff, based in Camrose, Alta.
However, some points are a given, he added.
“Nobody can argue about the fertilizer you’re removing or that straw prevents erosion.”
He estimates that farmers lose an average fertilizer value of $16 per tonne by baling barley straw and $10 on wheat straw.
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Some people think they’re losing the same values as fertilizer by removing organic matter while others don’t feel they’re losing anything, said Schoff, adding bales typically cost about $6 each to make.
The discrepancy may depend on type of soil, he said, adding those in rich, dark soil zones may want to get rid of some straw cover because high yielding crops produce more root and straw material.
Minimum or zero-till systems may also be less affected by straw removal.
“Basically you’re looking at losing fertilizer as a minimum and then any value put on straw for soil conservation on top of that,” said Schoff.
As a soil additive, straw helps maintain soil structure, he said. This can mean better water infiltration, water holding ability, root penetration and erosion prevention.
Farmers considering straw removal should consider crop yields and the amount of tillage, said Schoff. In high-yield areas, removing straw may not hurt soil quality because of substantial root and stubble material.
