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Tag Archives soil health — page 10

Buffer strip location and plant species should fit into the overall farm production system.
Crops

Buffer strips save soil, address field trouble spots

Strategically placed areas bring economic and environmental benefits

By
Buffer strips do more than prevent soil loss. When strategically placed, they can improve in-crop pest control, support pollination and help save money on otherwise troublesome parts of a field.  Why it matters: When established in underperforming or problem areas, buffer strips can reduce input costs and insect pest pressure while acting as a positive […] Read more
Building soil health takes time, and reducing tillage passes is the first step.
Crops

Soil health plan works best with gradual gains

Soil experts recommend starting small for bigger long-term results

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Improving overall soil health takes time – a long time. But for Kelsey Banks, crop representative and agronomist with Embrun Co-op, making gains doesn’t require immediate drastic action.  Many growers opt for conventional tillage in Banks’ area of Eastern Ontario for various reasons but mostly because it’s an effective, tried-and-true approach. Why it matters: Better […] Read more
The LED screen on one of the two trailers will display data, presentations and live videos.
News

Mobile trailers bring soil knowledge, research right to the farm

Units have soil research and audio visual technology to help with research plots and events

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A new initiative is expected to showcase field demonstrations and applied soil research for the benefit of Ontario farmers. The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) has assembled a Mobile Soil Technology Suite for all those interested in soil health. It consists of two trailers, specialized scientific tools, audio-visual gear and field-ready tools. The […] Read more
(MyLand.ag)
Crops, Machinery

AGI to buy into soil microbe breeding firm

Machinery maker to take minority stake in MyLand

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A U.S. company ramping up a system to harvest, reproduce and restore beneficial microbes from a field’s own soils, as a way to restore peak fertility, expects to get backing soon from a Canadian farm equipment maker. Winnipeg-based Ag Growth International (AGI) said Monday it has signed a conditional letter of intent with Phoenix-based MyLand […] Read more
Closeup of a plowed field, fertile, black soil.
News

Ontario farmers create self-guided tour of soil health in 2021

Farmers will be able to explore fields across province this summer thanks to a new, free app that will allow for viewing of cover crops, min-till, amendments, and innovation for soil health. The free ONTARIO SOIL ROADTRIP app will be launched and available for iOS and Android in time for the July long weekend. ONTARIO […] Read more
Increasing soil health on farms
Crops, News

Increasing soil health on farms

OSCIA launches pilot project in three counties

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The Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) is inviting farmers in three counties to up their soil health game through a pilot project available this summer.  Producers in Lambton County, Renfrew County and Simcoe County will have the opportunity to apply for cost-share funding to implement soil health practices including cover cropping and soil […] Read more
“Healthy soils are the foundation of sustainable food production, enhanced biodiversity and cleaner air and water for present and future generations.” – MP Alistair MacGregor.
News

NDP introduces soil health bill

Bill C-290 proposes to rebuild soil capacity

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A bill being introduced by the NDP vows to help fight food insecurity and support farmers.  MP and NDP agriculture critic Alistair MacGregor introduced a private member’s bill to create a National Soil Health Strategy for Canada. Why it matters: A bill to promote soil conservation could help rebuild soils by giving farmers new tools, […] Read more
Lake Erie, the shallowest of the Great Lakes, is most at risk from phosphorus loading.
News

AAFC launches Living Lab – Ontario in the Lake Erie region

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A $4.2 million investment has been made by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to launch Living Lab – Ontario in the Lake Erie region to collaborate with Ontario farmers on developing sustainable solutions to environmental issues. Living Lab – Ontario is the latest collaboration hub created under the Living Laboratories Initiative, which brings together farmers, scientists, and other […] Read more
Healthy soil practices, such as cover cropping, haven't yet spread to widespread adoption.
Crops

Encouragement needed for healthy soil practices

Report argues for significant investment in programs that are easy for farmers to use

By
Soil improvement is a keystone of Canada’s agricultural future, and fundamental to its longevity, according to the “Power of Soils” report published by the Greenbelt Foundation. Produced in partnership with a wide array of industry associations, the publication is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of Canada’s current agri-environmental policy and programming, what practices are […] Read more

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