Dr. Lawley is conducting research on cover crops at multiples scales from small plot to on-farm research in Manitoba. She will outline the context for cover crops in Manitoba, identify benefits and goals for cover crops, and some of the places in your rotation where you can get started. She will share some successes and failures from her own cover crop research happening right here in Manitoba.
2020
Building a resilient soil means creating a soil that can withstand or recover from extreme moisture conditions, compaction, salinity, and generally maintain good soil health. Healthy soils begin with good soil management practices. Come learn about how crop rotations, cover crops, tillage strategies and residue management can all impact the building of a resilient soil.
Salinity levels in the soil tend to fluctuate with wet and dry weather cycles, sometimes greatly impacting crop and forage productivity. To best manage salinity, you need to understand how water movement affects salts in the landscape. The best strategies take into consideration water use by crops to manage a fluctuating water table over the long-term.
4R Nutrient Stewardship is about balance between agronomic and environmental benefits. Nutrient applications need to be applied at the right time, right amount, right rate, and be from the right source. Of course, what is ‘right’ depends on the context. Growing conditions change from year to year, and are changing over time. A better understanding of soil health, or how soil works, will allow producers to make better decisions on nutrient management given the context. Stephen will present an overview of his AAFC research findings on soil health and nutrient management in canola, wheat, soy, and corn in Manitoba.
Fertilizer is a big expense, but is needed in crop production. Within the New Provincial Recommendations there is a range provided for optimum fertilization. Based on crop type, previous crop and environment, rates can be negotiable, which affects total input costs and net returns. Join Anastasia as she highlights some thoughts on cost of production using these recommendations.
Soil provincial fertility guidelines are updated annually as research yields new results. However guidelines are only periodically enshrined in the print format of the Soil Fertility Guide. This update includes revised nitrogen rate recommendations for wheat, canola, corn and hybrid rye as well as a new option for long-term, sustainable phosphorus management of our high yielding cropping systems. Join John as he shares his insights to these new and updated provincial recommendations as you plan for the 2020 cropping season.
