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This demonstration site will show one of the options for managing phosphorus flow coming off farm fields.
Crops

Filtering phosphorus from drainage water

New phosphorus-runoff reduction initiative focused on finding tech solutions that work at the farm level

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Every farm is different and what technology works on one may not suit the other. According to representatives from farm groups, environmental groups and municipal governments, understanding this truism is critical to finding solutions to Lake Erie’s algal bloom troubles. Why it matters: Investigating phosphorus filtration technologies for drainage systems and ones that work at […] Read more
(Screengrab from Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation video via YouTube)
Crops

Ontario watershed study shows overapplication of phosphorus

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Farmers in one Huron County, Ont. watershed are applying almost exactly the nitrogen needed by their crops, but more than 30 per cent more phosphorus than is needed. University of Guelph researchers reached the conclusions by analyzing multiple years of data collected by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority during in-person interviews with farmers in the […] Read more
An algae bloom at the west end of Lake Erie, off of Ohio, Michigan and southwestern Ontario, seen from space on Aug. 3, 2014. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center photo)
Crops

Lake Erie plan’s farming recommendations released

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A federal/provincial action plan to reduce phosphorus loading in Lake Erie has been released for public comment — and many of its recommendations will have implications for farmers in the Lake Erie basin. None of the numerous recommendations are particularly new or surprising and mostly call for using existing funding programs to encourage certain production […] Read more
(Dave Bedard photo)
Livestock

Manitoba to axe limits on hog barns

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UPDATED, March 20 — Manitoba’s restrictions on hog barn and manure storage construction are set to be shelved by way of an omnibus “red tape reduction” bill. Provincial Finance Minister Cameron Friesen on Thursday introduced Bill 24 for first reading. Among its 15 proposed amendments to various pieces of legislation, the bill would repeal two […] Read more
Chris Snip of Agris Co-operative works with farmers to check soil health and fertilizer practices of farmers near Lake Erie as part of the Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Initiative. (John Greig photo)
Crops

Phosphorus program aims to reduce Lake Erie nutrients

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Chatham, Ont. — Henry Denotter’s farms near Kingsville, Ont. are close to the Wigle Creek, which flows into Lake Erie and takes with it any residues it pulls from nature and farmers’ fields. The Wigle Creek subwatershed, west of Leamington, has turned into ground zero in long-term research on how farmers can reduce phosphorus running […] Read more
This 2009 photo of alfalfa plots highlights the long-term consequences of neglecting soil phosphorus. The alfalfa in the front of the photo received composted beef cattle manure after years of receiving no phosphorus. The alfalfa at the back of the plot did not receive any additional phosphorus and has suffered dramatically. (Martin Entz photo)
Crops

Minogue: Rebalance your fields’ phosphorus bank accounts

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While your crop rotations and your seeding practices have evolved into something your grandfather might not recognize, recommended phosphorous guidelines for Manitoba farmers haven’t changed in more than 20 years. Over the past year, Manitoba soil fertility experts came together to fill this gap. John Heard (Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development), Cindy Grant (Agriculture […] Read more
Can you spot the difference between the two sides of this wheat plot? Probably not, AAFC researchers say. (Environmental Science and Technology)
Crops

Wheat in study finds P where soil tests don’t

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A long-term yield study in Saskatchewan shows wheat crops will use the phosphorus built up in soils over years of fertilizing — even where soil tests don’t show the nutrient is handy for use. While the results still need to be tested elsewhere, with other crops, the study’s findings may help Canadian farmers rethink how […] Read more

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