Degelman Heavy Duty Staggered Ripper at Ag in Motion 2025. Photo: Janelle Rudolph

Producers aim to improve minimum-tilled soil

The practice isn’t just about limiting tillage; experts offer ways to make smart adjustments to improve soil

Prairie grain growers who’ve already gone to direct seeding and minimum-disturbance drills, but want to further improve their soils for moisture retention, have further strategies available.

A patch of last year’s barley crop can be seen next to the sugar beets that have been direct seeded into it this year.  |  Alex McCuaig photo

Irrigators test direct seeding to prevent erosion

Alberta producers say the practice has its benefits, but challenges include dealing with chaff rows and managing stubble

Irrigation in southern Alberta has proven transformational to the ability to grow crops in the region, but although it has delivered water to the dusty plains, it hasn’t tamed the wind. Direct seeding is a piece in the puzzle to stem wind erosion in the area known for gales that can make it hard to […] Read more