This factsheet describes soil structure, the factors that influence it, and provides suggested practices to improve it in agricultural soils. Soil structure refers to the way that soil particles are arranged into larger units called aggregates. A well-structured soil contains plenty of aggregates and pore spaces both within and between aggregates; this provides favourable conditions […]
With Canada’s National Soil Conservation Week underway (April 20-26, 2026), now is an ideal time to take stock of your soil before planting begins. How did your fields handle the spring melt? Did they stand up to the heavy rains earlier this month? One of the best tools you have is your own observation. Get […]
Wind erosion can cause significant soil loss. This fall, consider how your residue management and tillage practices can help reduce risk of erosion by wind over the winter and into next spring. […]
Soil health is described as the soil’s capacity to support crop growth without becoming degraded or otherwise harming the environment. Physical, chemical and biological indicators can help determine relative soil health. Physical indicators include aggregate stability, available water holding capacity, soil structure and soil compaction. Chemical indicators include soil pH, and soil nutrient content. Biological […]
Cereal rye (Secale cereale), also known as winter rye or rye – and not to be confused with annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) – is a hardy winter cereal that can be established later in the growing season than any other cover crop (Figure 1). It begins growing earlier in spring than other species and has […]