Ken Mitchell, an Annan area crop and beef farmer, shares some of the insights SWAT mapping, seen in the distance, provided in addressing uneven growing conditions in his corn and alfalfa fields during the Grey County Soil and Crop Improvement Association July crop tour.

A soil health investigation

It took old and new technology to diagnose compaction as the culprit

The soil on Ken Mitchell’s alfalfa and corn fields looked good on paper but the reality was less than stellar in terms of production. The 100-acre block was the focus […] Read more


Root growth of corn plants (V5 growth stage) growing in soil compacted to different bulk densities before corn seeds were planted.

Evaluating soil structure

OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week of August 15

Many Ontario soils display a similar pattern of compaction. The secondary tillage layer – usually the top 2-4 inches – is relatively loose and friable, with mostly small, rounded aggregates, […] Read more