Ontario research has demonstrated that winter wheat in rotation improves corn and soybean yields. But with greater returns on corn and soybean acres, do these yield benefits outweigh revenue reductions from wheat acres? We will answer that question using University of Guelph research to help you make the most profitable crop rotation decisions. The simple […]
Co-written by Dr. Lori Phillips, AAFC Harrow Multicropping practices like double cropping and relay intercropping hold the promise of increased productivity and profitability through the harvest of two crops per year on the same acres of land. Double cropping in southern Ontario is not a new practice; farmers in Essex, Kent and Lambton have for […]
Since the first discovery of Bt resistant ECB populations to Cry1Fa in Nova Scotia in 2018, more populations of Bt resistant ECB have been found in a number of provinces and one US state (Connecticut). Not only is ECB developing resistance to Cry1Fa, but also to Cry1Ab, Cry1A.105 and Cry2b2. As they develop resistance to […]
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 […]