From growth stage to pest pressure, sprayers run when crops need them. This can pose a problem because ideal application timing does not necessarily coincide with dry field conditions. Some level of compaction is almost invariably the result, and while steps can be taken to minimize negative impacts, there are few affordable solutions to sprayer-induced […] Read more
Tag Archives Soil — page 7
Preventing sprayer compaction is difficult
Some compaction is inevitable, though severe damage can be mitigated
The challenge of rural impermeable surfaces
Rain runoff from hard surfaces can have effect on tile systems
From Houston to Toronto, a common theme has been flooding caused by the increase in impermeable surfaces. In June 2017, part of Southwestern Ontario was hit with a one in 100 year storm event, and some areas received 6.7 inches (170 mm) of rain in seven hours. In August, 2018, Toronto received 2.95 inches (75 […] Read more
Huron County plastics recycling loop ends up in drainage tile
Blue-box collected bottles from rural homes are processed locally and used in tile
If a farm from Huron, Perth or Middlesex planned a drainage project this year, some of the plastic used in the tile likely had a former life as shampoo bottles and laundry detergent jugs on those same farms. For about 14 months now, an agreement has been in place between Bluewater Pipe and Listowel-based EFS […] Read more
Fulvic acid produced from mushroom compost
Ontario company creates sustainable crop additive that boosts plant responses
As the focus on soil health and environmental sustainability grows, new products can help farmers improve their soil as well as boost crop nutrient and water use. BioLiNE Corp., located near Alvinston in southwestern Ontario, is producing biostimulants — products that when applied to crops, stimulate the plants’ natural processes. It was founded in 2016 […] Read more
Anthrax kills southeastern Saskatchewan sheep
Spores forced up by changes in soil moisture
Dramatic shifts in soil moisture are again bringing anthrax spores to the surface on the Prairies, this time in a southeastern Saskatchewan sheep pasture. Lab results on Wednesday confirmed anthrax as the cause of death of one animal in a flock of sheep in the R.M. of South Qu’Appelle, about 50 km east of Regina, […] Read more
AGI to buy into soil microbe breeding firm
Machinery maker to take minority stake in MyLand
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
Bacteria boost plant root hair growth
Science Notes: Symbiotic bacteria in root cells may be key to producing better crops, study finds
A Rutgers study has found that symbiotic bacteria that colonize root cells may be managed to produce hardier crops that need less fertilizer. The study appeared in the journal Microorganisms. Bacteria stimulate root hair growth in all plants that form root hairs, so the researchers examined the chemical interactions between bacteria inside root cells. They […] Read more
Increasing soil health on farms
OSCIA launches pilot project in three counties
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
NDP introduces soil health bill
Bill C-290 proposes to rebuild soil capacity
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
Forecast, flea beetles complicate canola timing
Dry conditions make ideal seeding time difficult to peg
Drought conditions, and the odds of more to come, have some Prairie canola growers pondering when to roll the dice on seeding, if they want to do more than feed the flea beetles. Small-seeded crops, such as canola, have garnered particular concern from agronomists and producers worried about germination, given power dry topsoil across much […] Read more
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