Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are applied to winter wheat to reduce plant height and increase stem thickness. Reducing the risk of lodging or delaying the onset and amount of lodging that occurs makes it easier to manage and harvest wheat. PGRs can also improve yields, particularly where moderate to severe lodging occurs. The simple answer […]
Potato leafhopper is a major alfalfa pest in Ontario. Yield losses may reach 50%, and crude protein content can drop 2-3% from heavy infestations. Potato leafhopper feeding decreases stand vigour, slows regrowth and increases winterkill. The simple answer As alfalfa gets taller it can tolerate more potato leafhoppers before action is necessary to protect forage […]
Winter canola has proven to be a profitable field crop that provides diversity to crop rotations in Ontario. If you are considering winter canola, this planning checklist will increase the probability of growing a successful crop. Location Growing location is critical for crop success. Winter survival will be poor in regions with harsh, long winters. […]
Soil compaction negatively affects crop health and grain yield. There are many factors that contribute to soil compaction, but what are the biggest contributors and how can their impact be reduced? The simple answer Focus on these five best practices for the greatest impact on minimizing soil compaction: A little more information Since 2017, eight […]
Some growers prefer 30” rows because of reduced seed costs and reduced white mould pressure. But it’s known that wide rows yield less, especially in northern climates. A number of research trials were conducted in 2022 and 2023 to determine if applying both starter nitrogen (N) and fungicides along with early planting could close the […]
Livestock manure is an excellent source of nutrients that can complement commercial fertilizer applications to produce high yielding, high quality crops. Studies have demonstrated improved yield and economic returns from the use of manure in cropping systems. The simple answer The short answer is yes. Manure (of any type) is found in most regions of […]
Introduction Gibberella ear rot concerns the industry because of DON concentrations. It is well known that DON concentrations are highly dependent on interactions among hybrids, pathogens, and the environment. Starting in 2019, the Ontario Corn Committee (OCC) refined protocols for testing hybrid sensitivity to DON accumulation with confidence based on an assessed risk. This inaugural […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]