Introducing….to your mobile device or computer, the newest in a series of on-line calculators. The phosphorus loss assessment tool for Ontario, nicknamed PLATO, will help determine the risk of phosphorus (P) loss from nutrient applications at a field scale.PLATO takes both field characteristics, such as erosion risk and soil test level, as well as P […]
Join the OMAFRA Soil Team and Upper Thames River Conservation Authority for a hands-on day of learning about soil management on August 22nd. Six in-field sessions will explore a range of topics, including: Soil pits: exploring what’s under our feet Measuring soil health: in-field methods to evaluate soil structure, infiltration, and much more. “Soil your […]
Windbreaks are a great way to reduce soil erosion and increase crop growth on your farm. They reduce wind speeds, which can increase growth of crops for a distance of up to 20 times the height of the trees. The taller the trees and the longer the windbreak, the greater the area the windbreak will […]
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: […]
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 […]
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 […]