Frost seeding is a popular way to renovate an existing forage stand and is most effective in fields where patches of bare soil at least the size of a loonie are visible. With spring around the corner, many producers have questions about how to best use this technique to improve their hay fields and pastures. […]
Warm weather and early planting are some of the factors that contributed to big winter canola plants heading into winter in December 2024. There was a lot of foliage and raised growing points. View the December 2024 video here. Did the canola survive the winter? Check this field with me in March 2025. […]
Nutrient deficiencies occur regularly in Ontario and can be the cause of substantial yield loss depending on the type, severity and timing. Their presence is particularly frustrating when soil test levels show adequate levels of fertility. The simple answer Nutrient deficiencies can appear in soils testing moderate or high in plant nutrients given the right […]
With a narrow window to establish cover crops after corn harvest, some farmers have experimented with inter-seeding cover crops when corn is at the 6-8 leaf stage. However, the sensitivity of different cover crops to residual corn herbicides is unknown and could negatively affect their establishment. A multi-year study looked at the sensitivity of six […]
The soil fertility benefits of applying livestock manure are significant. But storage is key. Uncovered storage facilities result in manure with a high volume of water and low nutrient value being shipped to fields. Fortunately, changes to storage facilities can improve efficiency of nutrient transport. The simple answer By covering liquid manure storage and diverting […]
Sulphur (S) is an essential nutrient necessary for plant growth. In the past it was assumed that soil sulphur supplies were adequate to meet soybeans full yield potential. Since air-borne sulphur emissions have been drastically reduced in the Great Lakes Basin, is it now necessary to feed soybeans sulphur? The simple answer In 2023 three […]
Heavy rainfall can cause nitrates to move down through the soil and possibly below the corn crop’s root zone where it is less available for uptake. How much rainfall is needed to leach nitrogen (N)? Should we be applying extra N to corn to cover losses if a lot of rainfall has occurred in July […]
We have likely all heard the term “registered variety” but what does that mean? What kind of registration criteria exist for different field crops and how does that system work in Ontario? What is a registered variety? Registered varieties are unique cultivars, each with their own registration number and a name they must be marketed […]
Crop Heat Units (CHU) are based on a principle similar to GDD. CHU accumulations are calculated on a daily basis, using the maximum and minimum temperatures, however, the equation that is used is quite different. The CHU model uses separate calculations for maximum and minimum temperatures. The maximum or daytime relationship uses 10°C as the […]
Growing Degree Days Growing degree days (GDD), an estimate of accumulated heat, are used to predict the growth and development of plants, insects and diseases during the growing season. Insect, disease and plant development are very dependent on temperature and the daily accumulation of heat. The amount of heat required to advance a plant or […]
Growing Degree Days Growing degree days (GDD), an estimate of accumulated heat, are used to predict the growth and development of plants, insects and diseases during the growing season. Insect, disease and plant development are very dependent on temperature and the daily accumulation of heat. The amount of heat required to advance a plant or […]
Field scouting records are an essential tool for making current and future management decisions. Using a field scouting form or smartphone/tablet application will help standardize the recording of field observations. Once recorded, add the scouting data to the field record files (paper, electronic or both). Computer software is also available to record and manipulate data […]
When scouting for insects that move too quickly in the canopy to be spotted or counted, or insects which are difficult to detect, it may be beneficial to use a drop cloth, insect traps or a sweep net to collect and count them. Using a Drop Cloth Spread a white drop cloth on the ground […]
Field scouting is an important part of cropping system and farm management. Ongoing monitoring of fields and crops throughout the growing season and beyond, allows a producer to identify issues and apply remediation in a timely manner to minimize negative economic impact, while improving field operation efficiencies. Some problems cannot be addressed when observed, but […]
Tools used to monitor crop development and pests vary with the crop and the pest. Basic field scouting equipment includes: Professional scouts often carry other tools that could include: When scouting, proper clothing is important for protection from the sun and from other unknown risks such as poisonous plants, ticks and mosquitoes. Be aware of […]