Five projects have been selected to develop and test technologies that remove phosphorus from agriculture runoff. Why it matters: Finding ways to reduce phosphorus runoff will benefit all waterway users and the environment. The Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Collaborative (PRC) was formed to find solutions to reduce harmful algal blooms in the Thames River and […] Read more
Tag Archives phosphorus — page 2
Projects identified to address Lake Erie algae
Funding awarded for testing phosphorus reduction technology
Filtering phosphorus from drainage water
New phosphorus-runoff reduction initiative focused on finding tech solutions that work at the farm level
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
Ontario watershed study shows overapplication of phosphorus
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
Lake Erie plan’s farming recommendations released
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
Manitoba to axe limits on hog barns
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
Phosphorus program aims to reduce Lake Erie nutrients
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
Minogue: Rebalance your fields’ phosphorus bank accounts
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
Wheat in study finds P where soil tests don’t
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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