Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
This research aims to develop an innovative new approach to wheat, soil qualities, and climate change using biochar, urea fertilizer and rock phosphate organic fertilizer. Biochar and rock phosphate are cheap, affordable resources to producers, but they are largely alien to farmers in southern Alberta for crop production.
Application of biochar-based urea fertilizer is a good practice to store carbon as well as other greenhouse gases in the soil to mitigate climate change, as well as slow down the release of nitrogen to the soil against leaching.
This research would compare rock phosphate and triple super phosphate efficiency, climate change mitigation, crop yield and soil quality.
This research would assist the producers to mitigate climate change, as well as efficient use of nitrogen by practicing lupin – potato crop rotation.
This project is a continuation of past conducted research: Effect of rock phosphate and biochar soil amendment on berry crops, soil properties, as well as carbon emissions in four ecological soils for Southern Alberta.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
This project addresses climate change by keeping carbon emission and other greenhouse gases in the soil, as well as retention of nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus for sustainable crop production.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
At the end of each trail year, results will be presented in seminars, workshops, and disseminated through pamphlets/factsheets to producers.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.