Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
Increasing demand for greater cereal crop yield often motivates increasing the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, leading to growing conditions with lower input use-efficiences. Commercial agricultural products available to producers, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculants, have been developed to improve cereal crop productivity through enhanced nutrient acquisition. However, there is still a need to quantify the efficacy of AMF inoculation in different Canadian cereal crop varieties.
The goal of this research is to optimize arbuscular mycorrhizae inoculation potential and subsequent nitrogen use efficiency in cereal crops.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
This research will provide valuable agronomic knowledge that enable producers to be more efficient in the application of nitrogen fertilizers and validate the efficacy of AMF inoculation in conjunction with common pesticides used in Canadian cereal crops. This research aims to improve Canadian cereal producer's crop productivity while decreasing input costs.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
Two scientific publications will be submitted for peer review. Articles will also be published in agricultural media such as Top Crop Manager and Grain News. Findings will be presented at local conferences, provincial conferences, and National conferences.