Agronomy - Canadian Agronomist

Digging into Research

12 Jan Contribution of Agricultural Biotechnology to Food Security in Canada

Posted at 22:46h in Agronomy

An evaluation of the contribution of agricultural biotechnology and technological innovation to food security in Canada showed these innovations significantly reduce production costs and enhance food security in Canada. Technological improvements may stabilize farm-level production costs, however retail food prices continue to be impacted more...

16 Dec Intercropping systems in western Canada

Posted at 22:23h in Agronomy

A review of intercropping systems in western Canada over the last 40 years shows that intercropping has a critical role to play in a more sustainable agriculture that optimizes producers' profit. The review found that over 60% of small plot combinations were pulse-oilseed combinations and...

10 Dec Diversifying with forage seed crops

Posted at 21:55h in Agronomy

In the Peace River region, studies have shown multiple benefits of integrating perennial forage seed crops into cropping systems. Along with improved yield, profitability and climate resiliency, diversified cropping systems also increased soil organic carbon, enhanced nutrient efficiency, reduced weed density and disease levels and...

27 Nov Chickpea-flax intercrop shows greater efficiencies

Posted at 17:25h in Agronomy

Intercropping chickpea and flax resulted in eight to 22 per cent of biologically fixed nitrogen being transferred from chickpea to flax during the growing season. This resulted in reduced soil nitrogen depletion compared to monocrop flax. The land equivalent ratio was at or above 1...

12 Nov Openers and seed treatments investigated in ultra-early wheat

Posted at 18:23h in Agronomy

In ultra-early seeding systems, a disc opener performed marginally better than a knife opener. Few benefits were realized from insecticide/fungicide seed treatments. Previous research found that seeding wheat ultra-early at a soil temperature trigger of >0C provided high, stable yields. The objectives of this subsequent research...

28 Oct Economic performance of legume intercrops varied

Posted at 20:57h in Agronomy

The economic returns of cereal, oilseed and legume intercrop crops varied by location. Generally, intercropping reduced losses or outperformed less profitable monocrops but high value monocrops like corn and soybean outperformed intercrops. Net return stability also varied by different intercrop types and growth conditions. Legume intercrops...

15 Oct Optimizing canola production

Posted at 17:17h in Agronomy

For both early- and late-maturing hybrids, straight-cutting canola at 10% seed moisture produced high, stable yields. While seeding at 18 seeds/ft2 produced the highest yield, it also had the lowest net returns due to high seed costs. Seeding at 12 seeds/ft2 provided a balance between...

31 Jul Organic Durum Wheat Productivity and Quality Following Intercrops

Posted at 19:29h in Agronomy

A diversified organic cropping system including legume intercrops resulted in some of the highest grain yield and biomass of the subsequent sole durum wheat crop in the semiarid region of the Canadian Prairies. Legume intercropping can be part of a diversified organic cropping system, providing...

28 Jul Legume intercrops with oat or mustard in organic cropping systems

Posted at 21:41h in Agronomy

Under drier than normal conditions, this study shows that intercropping legumes and non-legumes can outperform organic crop monocultures in productivity, grain weight and grain protein in the semiarid region of the Canadian prairies. Organic intercrops with non-legumes also play a role in reducing weed pressure,...

23 Jul Lentil and soybean stubbles are viable options for winter wheat

Posted at 21:49h in Agronomy

Winter wheat seeded on soybean and lentil stubbles had high, stable yields compared to field peas, faba bean, canola, flax, and oats. Seeding into oat stubble resulted in lower and more variable yields. Crop diversity on the Prairies continues to expand, providing winter wheat growers with...