The author writes that the findings and guidance for soil health from the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry needs to be strategic, and gives eight recommendations on how this can be achieved.

Opinion: Soil matters. Charting a path forward

Action is needed to preserve and improve soil health, but it must be strategic

The following is an excerpt from a statement made by the author to the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (Status on Soil Health in Canada) meeting, Sept. 22. […] Read more



The new test uses water instead of KCl to understand available N in corn.

A new test for nitrogen on the horizon

New test being developed aims to better identify plant-available nitrogen

Research completed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and University of Guelph researchers indicates that Ontario corn producers may soon have a more reliable tool for nitrogen (N) fertilizer rate […] Read more



farmer handling soil

Calculating soil health returns

Greenbelt report highlights costs and returns of soil-supporting management practices

Short term costs for long term gains – that’s what a Greenbelt Foundation report says farmers need to consider when it comes to building soil health.  Released in early 2022, […] 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