A Kingsville-area demonstration day was held July 23 to showcase a variety of tillage and other equipment and how each can be used to improve soil management. But while the […] Read more
Tag Archives Soil
Local demonstration showcased soil management options
Machinery demonstration designed to spur more thinking on soil health
The challenges of upgrading a farm for modern production
A Grey County producer transformed a stony farm with many fields
Adrian Op’t Hoog knew he was taking on a challenge when he bought about 200 acres that had been in cow-calf production for generations. There were 16 different fields and […] Read more
Soil nitrate tests low in wet, cool year
OMAFRA’s screening shows that soil nitrate levels are about 25 per cent lower than average
Pre side-dress nitrogen tests across Ontario have lower-than-average nitrate levels this season. Why it matters: This year’s results show that nitrate level recommendations for side-dressing and top-dressing may vary for […] Read more
Better water through real farm data
Project analyzes decades of environmental and farming changes to support more fact-based water-quality policy
In the Great Lakes region, the relationship between farm practices and water quality is complex. As farmers and industry organizations continue to look for ways to accurately measure and prevent […] Read more
Senate committee hears that soils need new priority
Soil experts testify that the federal government should take a greater role in soil research and data management
The Senate committee on Agriculture and Forestry recently heard that agricultural soil is declining, and the issue needs more attention from the federal government. Five presenters, including several from Ontario, […] Read more
A plant’s roots tailor its soil environment
Science Notes: Plants maintain the metabolites around them, which helps explain why plants grow in so many places
The small mustard plant (Arabidopsis thaliana) produces specialized metabolites capable of selectively altering the microbial communities of the soil surrounding its roots to suit its own purposes. While the findings […] Read more
Information from above
The quest is on to obtain more detailed soil type and topography data on Ontario croplands from satellites
If farm agencies in Ontario were to make an information wish list, it would likely include detailed and up-to-date soil and topographical data. This information would, among other things, help […] Read more
General Mills project could set standard for farm-level regulations
The company aims to influence a million acres of farmland by 2030
Large food companies are increasingly worried about the broad impact they have on the environment. Now their programs are reaching down to the farm level, although those influences are mostly in […] Read more
Sensor system logs four soil factors at once
The iScan can help farmers make decisions on adjustment of implements
Tillage and seeding implement manufacturers are giving farmers more working tool adjustment features. But how do you know what to adjust and which way to adjust it? Simply guessing is […] Read more
Keeping cool under cover a benefit of cover crops
American farmers use cover crops to moderate soil temperature
Cover crops can positively affect a wide range of soil health characteristics. According to some American farmers, the ability of cover crops to moderate soil temperature is also important but […] Read more