University of Alberta researchers develop a soil heatlh test by evaluating the composition of the soil
Most farmers and gardeners recognize healthy soil. It has a certain look and smell and likely feels softer than poorly conditioned soil. That sense of quality is mostly based on experience and scientists have struggled to measure the traits of healthy soil — until now. Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a test […] Read moreTag Archives Agronomy
Field edge analysis platform delivers the news fast
Sentera’s new software allows growers to send their drones out to gather photos, determine trouble spots and take action quickly
Farmers who access early warning data on poor emergence have the opportunity to spray out or rip up those tardy acres for replanting or go in with remedial nutrition to rescue them. The key is to know as soon as possible after emergence if you need to take such action. One week too late can […] Read more
Drones spit out facts, not answers
LACOMBE, Alta. — Chris Neeser has been studying drones for Alberta Agriculture since 2014 to gauge the usefulness of current technology in agricultural applications. “We examined the usefulness of imagery from UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) for the purpose of weed and disease forecasting, and hopefully the process might answer some of the questions in case […] Read more
Disease forces longer canola rotations in Manitoba
Widespread blackleg is reducing yields in south-central Manitoba and making producers rethink their crop choices
DAUPHIN, Man. — Farmers in south-central Manitoba are backing away from canola because blackleg is curbing yields and cutting into profits. Canola yields of 45, 50 or 55 bushels per acre have become normal in many parts of the Prairies, but growers in pockets of southern Manitoba are struggling to achieve those targets. “They’ve moved […] Read moreDisease avoidance important factor in seeding plans
Lots of farmers don’t want to grow durum this summer. Few blame them, considering the hit they took last fall when they discovered that their crops were badly damaged by fusarium. However, can farmers in southwestern Saskatchewan and other durum-growing pockets really switch many acres into other crops? “There’s definitely that rumour,” said Brandon Motz […] Read more
Whistle blown on canola danger
One of canola’s fathers thinks farmers might need to force their neighbours to stop over-growing canola. And a leading canola developer thinks canola’s future could be grim if endemic problems aren’t controlled. “If we abuse it, we’re going to lose it,” Garth Hodges, Bayer CropScience vice-president of marketing and business development, told the Canola Council […] Read more
Soybeans attracting attention in Alberta
Lethbridge-based Agriculture Canada researchers are stepping up their interest in soybeans as the crop’s popularity grows in Alberta. Frank Larney and other scientists are examining row spacing, plant densities and nitrogen benefits that soybeans offer to the subsequent crop. However, they have only one year of data from two sites and further research continues. Early […] Read more
Weather data can provide valuable farm advice
Hindsight has its benefits, but foresight, when it comes to weather and crops, would be even better for farmers. That’s hard to come by, said Dan Heaney of Farmers Edge, but existing weather data does have plenty of information on probability, and that can pay off. He told those at Agronomy Update in Lethbridge Jan. […] Read more
Pulse industry eager to expand acres in Alberta
Three million acres of pulse crops grown annually in Alberta is a goal well within reach, says an Alberta Agriculture pulse crop specialist. Mark Olson believes growers are already 75 percent of the way there, based on the 2.4 million acres planted to beans, peas, lentils and fababeans in the province in 2016. “I’m confident […] Read more
Interest surges in cover crops
It’s become difficult to avoid cover crops. The crops, which improve soil health, help boost the yields of subsequent cash crops or provide forage for livestock, are constantly in the agricultural media, and many farm conferences have them on the agenda. Many farmers remain skeptical of the hype, but the innovation has become a normal […] Read more
