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 nutrient runoff, a joint project from Ryerson University and the University of Windsor is analyzing historical changes in farming and the wider environment to see […] Read more
Tag Archives Soil — page 14
Better water through real farm data
Project analyzes decades of environmental and farming changes to support more fact-based water-quality policy
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, told the committee that trends to less tillage have declined as crop prices have generally been strong and farms have grown larger. Why it matters: […] 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 may be useful in engineering beneficial root microbiota for sustainable agriculture, they may also, in part, explain why plants have evolved such vast metabolic diversification. […] 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 farmers to achieve higher yields through better crop management, says Ontario Federation of Agriculture President Keith Currie. Why it matters: Ontario’s soil maps are many […] 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 early stages. American farmers are at the vanguard of this trend, with companies like General Mills aiming to influence a million acres by 2030. Why […] 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 counter to the intent of these adjustments, said Veris Technologies manager Tyler Lund in a interview. He says Veris has just introduced a new system […] 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 less visually noticeable. Why it matters: Extreme soil temperatures limit biological activity. Keeping the ground covered helps moderate those swings, benefitting crops. According to Adam […] Read more
Farmers should focus on reducing soil compaction
Digging holes can show how deep the problem of compaction lies below the surface
To till or not to till, that is the question. The question is simple but the answer isn’t. Ask different people for their opinions and you’ll get a variety of answers. The real answer might be “maybe. But if you do, do it properly.” Tillage specialists from Case IH said during an Arizona field tour […] Read more
Patience pays off to ensure the best soil planting conditions
Temperature and moisture are the main components to analyze when planting
Spring 2019 will arrive soon and the planting season is quickly approaching. Farmers spend most of their work time in a tractor during planting, but some of the most valuable time is off the tractor, checking soil conditions. “Boots in the field pays for itself every single time, getting out of the cab and double-checking, […] Read more
Variable land good place to start with variable rate fertilizer
Best strategies, hiring custom operators or DIY
Farmers on land that’s variable in soil type, such as southwest of London, are likely already thinking about variable rate fertilizer application. Darryl Boersma, who farms a large number of acres in Mt. Brydges southwest of London, has been doing variable rate for 17 years. “This whole area is pretty variable, one of the more […] Read more
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