Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
Humalite is a naturally occurring humic substance containing organic matter, high concentrations of humic acid, and low heavy metals due to its unique fresh water depositional environment. Large deposits of this produce with potential to be used in agriculture are in the holdings of Prairie Mines and and Royalty ULC (PMRU) southeast of Hanna, Alberta. One of the main challenges current agricultural practices are facing is low nutrient use efficiency by crops (e.g. nitrogen fertilizers) due to the loss of nutrients via leaching, denitrification and volatization.
Previous research has shown that inorganic fertilizer treated with humic acid can significantly improve the soil nutrient availability and fertilizer use efficiency, root and shoot growth, nutritional quality, and grain yield.
This project aims to evaluate the effect of several humalite application rates on wheat, canola, and pea quality and yield; determine ideal application rates of humalite in wheat, canola, and pea production systems; evaluate the effects of different humalite application rates on nitrogen use efficiency in different soil zones and plant nutrient uptake; and assess the effects of humalite on soil health parameters. The ultimate goal is to identify the ideal application rate for humalite and fertilizer, quantify how these rates affect yield and grain quality in wheat, canola, and pea, and the multi-year cumulative effects on soil health.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
Results will provide answers to questions raised by farmers concerning the long-term effects of the Alberta based product, humalite, on crop production with the intent to produce them with information for sustainable crop production.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
Results will be shared on websites and bulletins, through field days and seminars, interviews on local radio, presented at farmers' organizations and workshops, and also published in scientific journals.