Cover crops can produce nitrogen. We looked at when different species release nitrogen and the impact that adding manure has on the timing and release of nitrogen. The simple answer Predicting nitrogen (N) availability from cover crops is complicated. Cold and wet conditions in the spring negativelyimpact soil microbial activity and can result in significant […]
Cereal rye is a versatile cover crop that can be seeded late into the fall in Ontario. Not to be confused with annual ryegrass – a grass that can be challenging to control – it is a winter cereal that overwinters reliably and grows rapidly in the spring. Delayed termination of rye by herbicide prior […]
The relationship between alfalfa breeding efforts and yield potential is complicated. While most literature on annual grain crops shows yield improvements with the release of new varieties over time, a literature search on alfalfa yield will show improvement, stagnation, and declines, depending on the paper. One of the latest attempts to discern what is really […]
co-authored by: Meghan Moran Western bean cutworm can significantly reduce the quality and yield of your dry bean crop. Below are best practices for minimizing this insect’s impact to your bottom line. The simple answer Spraying insecticide for western bean cutworm (WBC) control in Ontario dry bean fields is warranted only if ALL of the […]
More growers are noticing northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) – the most common corn leaf disease in Ontario. A proactive and integrated approach to management will mitigate significant financial losses. The simple answer Regular scouting is the best way to identify increases in the severity of NCLB. Ontario research has shown that an effective fungicide […]
Tar spot, a corn leaf disease that can cause significant yield losses, was first found in Ontario in 2020. It has since been found over a wider geographic area. Here’s an overview of what is currently known about best management practices. The simple answer Tar spot is here to stay. In the U.S. corn belt, […]
Many Ontario canola producers tank mix boron with a preventative white mould fungicide and apply it at 20-50% bloom. We took a closer look at whether foliar boron reduces flower abortion or improves yield. […]
Bluegrass competition in winter wheat can result in yield losses of up to 50%. We reviewed current research to provide recommendations for reliable control of annual and roughstalk bluegrass in Ontario. […]
Depending on the year and field conditions, you might get a yield bump from a split application of nitrogen (N) on your winter wheat crop. We’ve looked at a few different factors that might impact your N application decision. […]
Fertilizing for maximum return, not maximum yield, increases profits and reduces input costs. With fertilizer prices at record highs heading into the 2022 growing season, we have summarized key findings from Ontario research on fertilizer and crop price and their impact on optimal nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) rates. […]
Planting corn after a crop of canola is generally not recommended, and the reason why has to do with beneficial fungi living in the soil. However, some studies and anecdotal experience in Ontario have shown that this rotation is not always problematic. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Many crops we grow, including corn, have a symbiotic […]
This article was written by Dr. Elson Shields, Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY **A note from Christine: Alfalfa snout beetle is an invasive species. A 2008 survey confirmed its presence in Leeds & Grenville, Prescott & Russell, and Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry counties. At that time, over 150 km2 were infested. Dr. Shield’s […]
Some crops respond well to seed placed fertilizer. Applying phosphorus to wheat in-furrow has become standard practice for many growers. The amount of fertilizer that can be applied safely depends on the crop species, the type of fertilizer, the rate, soil type and soil moisture. Complete crop failures are possible if the seed or seedling […]