2024 Corn Evaluation Trial

OVERVIEW

The purpose of this trail was to compare different varieties of grain and silage corn and how they perform in the west central region, comparing yield and quality. Corn is becoming more popular as a silage option in the west central area due to its high dry matter yield and high digestible energy content. Corn varieties are mainly chosen in Canada based on corn heat units (CHU), it’s a temperature-based system that helps producers select corn hybrids suited for their region and predict crop development. Corn heat units are a way to measure the heat accumulation that crops need to grow and mature. Our varieties were obtained from Bayer Crop Science, BrettYoung Seeds, and Pioneer Seeds.

The information gathered from this trial could assist in mitigating any risks and failures for Alberta producers. The project will aid in the transfer of knowledge through extension work, such as workshops, webinars, newsletters and websites.

PARTNERS

·         McEwen’s Fuels and Fertilizers

·         Gateway Research Organization

·         Lac Ste. Anne County

·         Jay Hagel

·         Raymond Chittick

·         Alberta Native Bee Council

Corn planting on June 5th

METHODS

On June 5th GRO seeded our corn plots with their new plot corn seeder Matermacc MC 8200. The plot seeder is a 4-row seeder, with 30” spacing. We seeded 14 different varieties, 10 were provided by GRO and 4 we purchased from McEwen’s Fuels and Fertilizers. Because of the size and location, the plots were seeded as a strip trial with no randomization. Plot size was 10ft by 50ft, 3 replications of each variety for a total of 42 plots. The site was tilled on May 14th. We fertilized the site area prior to seeding on May 28th, and we were able to use our plot seeder to fertilize. We used 46-0-0 at a rate of 120lbs/ac. Depth was set at 2.5 inches. We fertilized it perpendicularly to the direction of seeding.

Fertilizing on May 28th

Corn varieties 2024, 10 were provided by GRO and we acquired 4 from McEwen’s Fuels and Fertilizers

RESULTS

We took 1m2 plant counts on June 18th in the corn plots. Plant counts or stand assessments can help give an approximate picture of germination rate and seeding assessment.

During the initial stages of the project, it became evident that our plots were significantly affected by wild mustard infestation. It is hypothesized that the tillage process, combined with the absence of a pre-seeding herbicide burn-off, created conditions conducive to the proliferation of this weed species. Additionally, pre-seeding fertilization may have inadvertently favored the growth of deep tap-rooted weeds by providing them with nutrients in the absence of sufficient crop competition.

The lack of early herbicide application further exacerbated the situation, as the high weed pressure significantly hindered the growth and development of the corn. Although some data were collected throughout the growing season, the corn did not reach maturity due to the intense competition from wild mustard.

Data taken on Oct 3, we only took data from rep 3 as the weed pressure on reps 1 and 2 was extreme. Due to the weed pressure the corn was undeveloped, only tiny cobs were visible if any at all. Plants were between 2-4ft tall.

We recorded average heights and # of plants per 17.4ft. We used 17.4ft as a point of measure as it’s the recommended length for 1/1000th acre.

These were the heights recorded on Oct 3rd, 2024. Prior to harvest. We took 4 readings per plot.

These were the heights recorded on Oct 3rd, 2024. Prior to harvest. We took 4 readings per plot.

These are the heights recorded on Aug 15th. We chose to only take these recordings earlier as it was easier to access plots after we mowed around for plot tour. We took 5 per plot.

 On the west half of the field we put in a pollinator blend to help improve soil structure and add nitrogen back into the soil. It was floated on by Raymond Chittick on May 29th and harrowed in on May 31st.

Pollinator blend being floated on, on May 29th

This blend was also designed to encourage bees to the area. We partnered with the Alberta Native Bee Council to set up and monitor a bee trap over the summer, this is a province wide project.  The trap was installed in a location that was protected from disturbance, and every 2 weeks it would be emptied. Samples were stored in the fridge and sent to the Bee Council at the end of the season. The goal for this project is to get an idea of the wild bee populations throughout the province. With a survey covering a large geographic area they can acquire a single season snapshot of bee populations. A special thanks to Raymond Chittick who donated his time to float the blend on our site.

It’s not surprising to see that with the variable precipitation in spring there was a significant number of weeds and volunteer forages that thrived. Long tap root species such as sweet and red clover, sainfoin and chicory are resilient in dryer conditions.

Spring Soil Report 2024

 Fall Soil Report 2024

Analysis of soil reports from the spring and fall of 2024 reveals a notable increase in organic matter content, rising from 4.6% in the spring to 6.2% in the fall. This increase may be attributed to the specific blend of plant species established, as well as the cumulative effects of multiple years of perennial forage cultivation. Located in the dark gray chernozemic soil zone, this zone historically has lower natural fertility so adding those species and management techniques to increase organic matter is key. This zone also can have higher clay content in areas, leading to compaction concerns and drainage issues. These concerns should be considered when formulating an operational plan.

Nitrate concentrations were measured at 8 ppm in the spring and 6 ppm in the fall, both of which are considered low. Nitrate-nitrogen measures the amount of available nitrogen in the soil that can be absorbed by the plants. Synthetic or organic fertilizers and nitrogen fixing species, as well as organic matter management, leaving crop residues can assist in increasing the nitrates in the soils.

Reactive carbon (C) levels, another key indicator of soil microbial activity and health, were recorded at 859 ppm in the spring and 833 ppm in the fall, showing a slight reduction. Given that values exceeding 600 ppm indicate adequate carbon availability for microbial activity, both measurements suggest sufficient carbon sources for microbial communities. Reactive carbon fuels soil microbes to break down organic matter and release nutrients. It also enhances nutrient cycling and improves soil structure.

The k/Mg ratio for both spring and fall are within the optimal range of 0.25-0.35. The k/Mg ratio must remain balanced as it influences nutrient availability and overall plant growth. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) which is related to the K/Mg ratio dropped slightly in the fall sample, reasons could be that high biomass plants such as corn can remove significant cations from the soils. Understanding the fertility needs of the field and how the soil health characteristics relate to each other will help with future fertility management.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT 

Despite the competitive nature of wild mustard, our observations indicate that it provides certain benefits to soil health. Through decomposition, wild mustard contributes organic matter, enhancing microbial activity and nutrient cycling. Additionally, its deep taproot system aids in alleviating soil compaction and improving aeration, which in turn facilitates water infiltration and root penetration for subsequent crops. Some producers also use mustard species as cover crops to suppress weeds.

Mustard can also be difficult to manage, it is highly competitive with crops for nutrients, water and sunlight, reducing yields. Germination and early seedling growth thrive under cool spring and fall temperatures, therefore if not managed early on, it can become out of control.

Effective management strategies, whether mechanical or chemical, are essential for controlling wild mustard populations. Some chemical options such as broadleaf herbicides can control mustard, but timing is key, understanding how the herbicide works will ensure a degree of success.

Mechanical control is another option, tillage can bury the seeds but also can spread them if not deep enough. Mowing may also work if done before the plant goes to seed. As with both management options, timing will determine the outcome.

Because mustard competes with crops for essential nutrients, it can adapt to various conditions. Some key nutrients for wild mustard are nitrogen, it competes aggressively for applied nitrogen in croplands and especially in fields with existing high fertility. Another essential nutrient for mustard is sulfur, it requires about twice as much as a cereal crop. A well balanced, nutrient rich field would provide ideal growing conditions for mustard.

Overall, mustard can be controlled, understanding the management strategies and fertility controls are key to keeping it out of the fields.