Zero-till vs conventional tillage with two rotations: crop production over the last 10 years

Non-Peer ReviewedA study was initiated in 1978 to compare zero-till with conventional tillage crop production in two rotations; fallow-oilseed-wheat and oilseed-wheat-wheat (with canola and flax alternating in the oiIseed year). In both rotations, soil moisture levels were higher at seeding time with zero-tillage than with conventional tillage. Most of the difference occurred in the 0-15 cm profile of soil where crops were sown on stubble. With the fallow treatment , more moisture was stored throughout the soil profile under zero-till. Crop yields varied considerably from year to year, but when combined over the 10 years, they were quite similar between the two tillage systems. Generally wheat tended to yield more and the oilseed crops (canola, flax) less under zero than conventional tillage. Where yields of zero-till crops were lower than conventional tillage, inadequate weed control was usually the primary cause. Several weed population changes occurred with zero-tillage and several of these species proved more difficult and costly to control than those present in the conventional tillage system. The results suggest that the adequacy and cost of weed control is a major factor determining the feasibility of zero-till crop production on the Dark Brown Soils of N.W. Saskatchewan

Cropping sequences on gray wooded soils

Non-Peer Reviewe

Indian Head lentil as a green manure substitute for summerfallow

Non-Peer ReviewedIndian Head lentil, a small black seeded cultivar, can fix substantial amounts of nitrogen while providing a dense ground cover. It has been promoted as a green manure alternative to conventional summerfallow. To evaluate the impact that use of this crop as a green manure might have on grain yield of succeeding crops, two studies were initiated at the Scott Experimental Farm. In the first study, incorporating green manure at the bud or at full bloom stages of growth were compared with conventional summerfallow, or where field pea, lentil or wheat were grown as grain. In a second study several methods of managing the green manure crop were evaluated including herbicide desiccation, incorporation and use of crop trap strips to trap snow and replenish soil moisture reserves

Conserving crop residue for erosion protection on summerfallow

Non-Peer ReviewedConserving crop residues on the soil surface has proven to be one of the most effective means of controlling wind erosion on summerfallow. Tillage practices are constantly changing and some recent trends have given rise to concern over their effect on wind erosion; namely the widespread use of mounted harrows on cultivators and use of higher tillage speeds. Results of these studies suggest that both practices decrease residue conservation on summerfallow. Use of mounted harrows deceased residue conservation by approximately 50 % compared with cultivators alone. Similarly, increasing tillage speeds from 5 to 10 to 15 km/h decreased residue conservation to approximately 50 and 30 %, respectively, of that conserved at 5 km/h. Depth of tillage had little effect on residue conservation after 2 operations but deeper tillage significantly reduced residues in subsequent operations. Where herbicides were substituted for tillage operations, both total and anchored residues increased as the number of tillage operations replaced was decreased. These results indicate that elimination of mounted harrows would have a very substantial impact on wind erosion. Where weed control needs to be enhanced, occasional use of trailed rod weeder attachments would be preferred. Reducing tillage speeds and minimizing depths of operation would also be beneficial. Where initial residue levels are, low, substituting herbicides for some or all tillage operations will likely be required to provide adequate protection

Effect of crop rotations on soil moisture levels

Non-Peer Reviewe

Rotations of wheat, barley, canola, and hay on a Dark Brown soil in west central Saskatchewan

Non-Peer ReviewedIn a long term study, yield of wheat or canola on summerfallow was influenced very little by rotation. On the other hand, yield of wheat or barley grown on stubble was affected by rotation. Yield of wheat on canola stubble was generally higher than on wheat stubble. Yield of hay was highly variable from year to year. Yield of canola relative to wheat was much higher during 1980 to 1991 than reported for 1972 to 1979. Further, yield variability of canola between years was much lower during 1980-91 than 1972-79. In wheat monoculture rotations, yield variability increased as summerfallow frequency decreased. In rotations of canola with cereals and/ or a forage the same trend did not occur. The influence of these results on economic viability of rotations where summerfallow is practiced less frequently is discussed

Improving organic matter in soil – contributing to productivity

Non-Peer Reviewe

Coated canola seed

Non-Peer Reviewe

Seeding depth and triallate for semi-hard and hard red spring wheats

Non-Peer ReviewedThe depth of seeding study was conducted with Hy-320, Hy-355 , Line-912 and Neepawa wheats sown at depths of 2.5, 5.0, 7. 5, and 10.0 cm. Depth of seeding significantly affected all variables measured except bushel weight. There were no variety × depth interactions indicating that all varieties reacted the same to seeding depth. In general deeper seeding delayed emergence and maturity and reduced the number of plants. Maximum plant stand in the presence of triallate occurred at the 5.0 cm. depth with triallate-applied pre-emergent incorporated. When applied pre-plant incorporated, the presence of triallate reduced plant stands as seeding depth increased. There was no differential varietal responses to triallate

Potential of management practices and amendments to prevent nutrient deficiencies under organic cropping

Non-Peer Reviewe