New research into flax
Canadian flax growers could reap the benefits from results of a three-year project looking at simple changes in management to improve production.
Research efforts will determine the most efficient ways of managing nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization and of timing herbicide application, given the effects of soil and climatic conditions.
The project will address specific questions about weed control (weed management and herbicide use) and fertilizer management (band width, problems with ammonia toxicity, and dual banding of nitrogen and phosphorus.) Information will also be gathered on crop requirements for zinc and its proper management to optimize yield. Flax is particularly sensitive to zinc deficiencies.
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Besides issues related to plant nutrition and fertilizer use, the project will examine the feasibility of a one-pass seeding and fertilizing system for flax. In reduced tillage systems, this technology has the potential to enhance moisture and nutrient availability, efficiency of fertilizer use, and crop yield and quality.
The Flax Council of Canada is providing the primary funds for a matching investment at Agriculture Canada’s Brandon Research Centre. The new project has also attracted investment from the Potash and Phosphate Institute and Viridian, formerly Sherritt Fertilizers. The Flax Council and its partners have committed $114,000 over three years, which will be doubled by federal research funding.
This is a multi-disciplinary project being conducted at four locations across the black soils of the Parkland region: In Manitoba at Brandon (Doug Derksen, weed-crop ecologist; David Wall, weed scientist; and Cynthia Grant, soil scientist) and Morden (Dave McAndrew, crop management researcher) and in Saskatchewan at Indian Head (Guy Lafond, project manager and agronomist) and Melfort (Adrian Johnston, agronomist).
– Agriculture Canada
