Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
Land rollers are commonly used to push rocks into the soils and improve harvest operation during silage crop production. Other benefits of land rolling include cleaner seed at harvest, and reduced damage to the harvesting equipment. However, there is increased risk of plant injury, disease incidence, soil compaction, and soil erosion if the operation is not conducted at the correct crop growth stage and under proper soil conditions.
There is a lack of scientific information on the proper management practices associated with land rolling of silage crops such as wheat and barley. This study will be conducted at three locations across southern Alberta for three growing seasons to determine the effect of timing of land rolling for zero-till and conventional till systems in irrigated wheat and barley crop production.
The effect of land rolling on crop growth and soil properties will be compared for zero-till and conventional-till systems. Crop growth characteristics including plant emergence, plant injury, crop biomass and feed value, and grain yield and quality will be measured.
The assessment of soil properties will include measurement of soil moisture and penetration resistance. This project will provide a comprehensive assessment of the effect of land rolling on crop production and soil quality.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
This study will provide the crop producers with information regarding best management practices for land rolling (i.e. timing of rolling and tillage system) to minimize plant injury and soil damage.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
Results will be shared through Farming Smarter's network in the form of e-newsletters, semi-annual magazines, press publications, YouTube videos, and social media posts.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.