Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
Increasing global demand for agricultural commodities has necessitated intensified agricultural activities. In semi-arid southern Alberta, irrigation agriculture is crucial to fulfilling this increased demand. However, the intensification of agricultural activities can introduce nutrients to nearby waterbodies and degrade irrigation water quality.
In recent years, public health advisors have confirmed the presence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in several lakes and reservoirs that serve water to Alberta's irrigation districts. HABs occur when cyanobacteria being to bloom and release harmful cyanotoxins, which can adversely affect water quality, cause illness in exposed humans, and impact crop and soil health. This has raised concern regarding crop application of irrigation water containing cyanotoxins. Additionally, longer, warmer summers due to a changing climate, continued nutrient loading, and the shallow nature of irrigation reservoirs create ideal conditions for the occurrence of HABs.
No data currently exists regarding the presence of cyanotoxins in Alberta’s irrigation systems or bioaccumulation in crops in Canadian agriculture as a whole. Some research has suggested the potential for bioaccumulation of cyanotoxins in food crops, however most of these studies have been conducted well above environmentally representative exposure scenarios. Therefore, it remains largely unknown whether cyanotoxins bioaccumulate in Alberta’s irrigated crops and soils, and if there is a risk to human, plant, or soil health as a result.
This work will address such knowledge gaps related to cyanotoxins in irrigation water, bioaccumulation in food crops and soils, and potential impacts on soil, plant, and human health.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
This information will be used to inform growers of the risks, if any, of irrigating crops while a HAB is present and ultimately inform the safe application of irrigation water to ensure the production of safe and economically viable food crops.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
Results will be published in open-access, peer-reviewed journals and communicated directly to producers and commodity groups via summary factsheets and presentations.