FARM ASSESSMENT

Non-productive and marginal acres can have a multitude of issues that, as time goes on, can spread outwards. Non-productive land is a symptom of a larger issue within the entire field. Saline soils have high concentrations of soluble salts. The salts present include sodium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, calcium sulphate, sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride and others.

*Calcium sulphate is also known as Gypsum.

A comprehensive soil test can tell a lot. High pH soils will have lower fertilizer efficiencies. Sodium and soluble salts can determine the range at which the fields is degrading. Do you need trace minerals? What is the organic matter?

Excessive phosphorous can impair Canola emergence, reduce plant density, and have non-uniform plant stands.

Having less than 5-6 plants per sq.foot can cause up to 5 bu/acre. Agriculture Canada data across the Prairies suggest only a minority of growers are reaching that.

Theoretically, Anhydrous as a fertilizer is advantageous because of the high nitrogen content. However, it’s quite destructive to organic matter - namely the stable humus. Humus functions to improve the soil’s water holding capacity. The most important function of humic substances within the the soil is their ability to hold water.

In dry years, soil compaction can lead to stunted, drought-stressed plants due to decreased root growth. In wet years, compaction leads to a decrease in soil aeration, increased denitrification, and an increase risk of root disease. Compaction reduces the soil’s ability to hold water and air.

Oxygen is essential for root respiration and growth. Nutrient uptake by roots is an active process requiring oxygen. Their functions are greatly reduced with low oxygen and they cannot absorb water or nutrients. Plant pathogens usually attack the stressed roots and can cause extensive damage.

Soil fertility is directly proportional to the quantity and quality of the soil life.

All crops need fertility, water, and air within the soil. It is a natural living system and all three affect the business of crop production. They are all interrelated, and you can’t work with one without affecting the other. Chemical properties are the ones farmers are most familiar with, but are considered the least important.