The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is developing an Agricultural Soil Health and Conservation Strategy. Specifically, OMAFRA is seeking feedback on a Discussion Document that outlines a draft vision, goals and objectives for the strategy. Healthy agricultural soils are essential in order to ensure ongoing productivity and competitiveness in Ontario’s agri-food sector […]
Windbreaks can increase crop yields up to 15 per cent, more than making up for the amount of land they use. How? Windbreaks improve a field’s microclimate by reducing wind speeds, increasing temperatures and reducing the amount of moisture loss. Have you considered planting a windbreak? Windbreaks can also: reduce soil erosion decrease odour and […]
Although we had a mild winter this year, Ontario winters are typically cold and bring a lot of snow. Plan ahead and plant a windbreak before next winter – windbreaks are an effective way to trap snow and prevent snow build-up around driveways and laneways, buildings, farmyards and other high-use areas. For you, this means: […]
Did you know that windbreaks: increase crop yield, improve soil moisture distribution over fields and reduce soil loss? provide shade and shelter for livestock? minimize spray drift and odours? decrease the amount of snow drift onto driveways and roads? enhance biodiversity and wildlife habitat can generate alternative income? Windbreaks have many benefits for farmers and […]
The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE2) is a software program designed to help farmers estimate the potential for soil erosion under different land management and cropping practices. The software overcomes many of the limitations of the previous USLE equation. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has adapted the RUSLE2 for […]
Diseases and pathogens are always a risk, but with Avian Influenza and PEDv outbreaks in Ontario extra vigilance is required. The poultry and swine industry are doing their part to prevent spread of the diseases. However, as farmers, custom work operators and agronomists begin spring field work, including manure application, it is extremely important that […]
Porcine Epicemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) will result in additional challenges for everyone involved in agricultural custom work. Awareness, communication and precautionary measures will go a long way in reducing the risk of spreading the virus. Going into spring planting season requires everyone involved in agricultural operations – including custom manure application, but also custom tillage, […]
Leaving a minimum of 30% crop residue has been proven to minimize top soil losses from wind and water erosion. But what does 30% soil cover look like? Do certain tillage implements leave less than 30% crop residue? Crop residue in the form of corn stalks or cereal straw, or green cover (growing crops or […]
by Doug Young, University of Guelph – Ridgetown Campus Monday April 23, 2012 was a reminder that wind erosion can be a serious issue in Ontario (photo 1). Soils are most vulnerable to wind erosion when they are bare or when crops are newly emerged. Photo 1: Wind erosion south of Ridgetown ON, April 23, […]
There is lots of talk about crop residue removal for bio-energy purposes. We have gone through the first wave of trying to make it very clear to those less familiar with agriculture that this crop residue has real value. Crop Residue Value Components Crop residue value hinges on a few components: Crop residues are critical […]