Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
This project will quantify the influence of management practices on specific soil health parameters at sites throughout Alberta. Selected sites will be re-sampled for compaction, infiltration, wet aggregation stability, soil respiration, active carbon, total organic carbon and nitrogen, total bacteria and fungi, nematode function groups, and basic soil chemistry parameters. The production cycle including crop rotation, cultural practices, chemical use, crop yields and quality will be documented over a three-year period.
Trends of the impact of various managements/cropping systems on changes in select soil parameters will be identified.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
Management practices which improve soil health will enable producers to target soil constraints and to improve the environmental sustainability of soils within their operations.
This project will have value for producers in all agricultural commodities. Soil health is the basis for production of annual and perennial crops, grains and forages, horticultural crops and all types of livestock.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
A user-friendly database of all assessment and management information will be compiled to share with producers. A comprehensive report will also be prepared for each participating farmer or rancher. Annual written summaries will be prepared, published in local reports and newsletters, as well as shared electronically and on various social media.