2024 Polycrop Soil Health Project

OVERVIEW

The objective of this trial is to evaluate the impact of a polycrop blend on soil health. Soil health is important because it directly impacts plant growth, crop productivity and quality. By understanding and applying some of the soil health principles such as optimizing crop blends and adjusting management strategies productivity can be improved while maintaining soil health. This site has historically had soil compaction issues, so when deciding on the blend, deep rooted species and species that aid in soil structure were chosen. Other factors in creating a blend were weed suppression species and species that adds organic matter. Each species was chosen for its ability to improve different soil characteristics. For example, clover is a nitrogen-fixer and adds organic matter. Japanese millet reduces soil degradation and is a drought-resistant species. Flax helps fight soil compaction and performs well in drought conditions. Sunflowers alleviate soil compaction and can absorb chemicals from the soil.

The findings from this trial have the potential to mitigate risks and reduce failure rates for agricultural producers in Alberta, ultimately contributing to improved on-farm productivity and sustainability. The project will aid in the transfer of knowledge through extension work, such as workshops, webinars, newsletters and websites.

PARTNERS

·         Schendel Ranch and Holdings

·         Northstar Seed

·         Yellowhead County

·         Modular Green Technologies

·         Dark River Meats

·         AdvancedAg Inc.

Aerial view of the wildwood site on July 30, 2024.

METHODS

The entire piece of land (~15 acres) was disced and seeded to a pea, oats and barley mix with a no-till drill by Schendel Ranch on June 7th and fertilizer was applied on 10th. Then the soil health polycrop mix, provided by Northstar seeds, was broadcast seeded and then the site was rolled.

Harvest operations of the entire site occurred on September 4, 2024, yielding 55 bales, each approximately 1,400 lbs, resulting in an approximate total production of 35 tons. This represents an increase of approximately 8 tons compared to the previous year’s production of 27 tonnes.

As an exploratory project, 6 - 10ft by 10ft micro plots biological amendments were flagged out in the south corner of field, we had a check, hemp biochar, liquid bioreactor manure, ACF-SR, wool pellets, and a solid manure plot. The producer avoided the area when applying the fertilizer. Biological amendments were applied on June 14, 2024.

Modular Green Technologies provided the hemp biochar and liquid bioreactor manure. AdvancedAg provided ACF-SR (a liquid product with a concentrated blend of select microbes that promote functions within the soil). Dark River Meats provided wool pellets. Solid beef manure was provided by Schendel Ranch.

Aerial view of our Yellowhead pasture field day on Aug 21st, highlighting our micro plots.

RESULTS

The purpose of this micro project was to compare the yields on different biological amendments. On June 26, 2024, observations indicated uniform crop emergence across the entire plot, with consistent growth patterns observed throughout the season. Minimal differences were noted between the micro-trials and the large plot during the growing period. However, yield samples from the micro-trials could not be collected due to the early harvest of the entire plots.

Vigor assessments were conducted on August 19, with scores evaluated visually on a 1-5 scale (1 = poor vigor, 5 = excellent vigor). The vigor ratings for the treatments were as follows:

• Check plot: 2/5

• ACF-SR: 3/5

• Hemp Biochar: 3/5

• Bioreactor manure: 4/5

• Wool Pellets: 3/5

• Solid Manure: 4/5

Spring 2023 soil health report for 0-6 inches

Fall 2024 soil health report for 0-6 inches

The soil parameters in this report aid in determining the overall health of the soil. The potassium-magnesium (K/Mg) ratio is slightly lower than optimal for both spring (0.16) and fall (0.1) whereas ideal is between 0.25-0.35, it is necessary for these to remain a balanced ratio. Possible reasons could be due to poor soil structure (compacted) and waterlogged soil, these are both common concerns within this soil zone, gray luvisol. Gray luvisol soils are primarily found in mixed forests, in the Parkland region of the prairies. It’s known to have a fine to medium texture with a higher clay content in the sub soil. The K/Mg imbalance could also cause weaker plant structures, affecting nutrient availability. Another characteristic to look at is the cation exchange capacity (CEC), it is closely linked to the K/Mg ratio as they both affect nutrient availability, soil structure and plant uptake efficiency, they depend on each other. This stability contributes to improved plant productivity and could help in improving the overall soil structure over time.

In most cases soils with higher CEC (clay and organic matter rich soils) can retain more K and Mg, reducing the risk of leaching. In the spring report, the CEC is 29.1, which can be characterized a little on the high side, higher clay content can bring that number up. In the fall the CEC comes down to 23.9, which is within range. Possible reasons, the blend is aiding in soil structure which is helping with nutrient retention, movement and availability.

Despite the lower K/Mg ratio the soil pH remained stable, ranging from 5.9 to 6.3 for spring and fall, a level that supports optimal nutrient availability and promotes healthy plant growth. For both reports, spring and fall, the buffer pH is 6.5 and 6.6 respectively, that is within the target range for most crops. Buffer pH is a measure of the soil’s resistance to pH change, it helps to determine how much lime is needed to correct acidic soils. In a practical application, it works in conjunction with the soil pH to determine the lime needs.

Measured precipitation throughout the growing season (June-Sept) at the Evansburg weather station.

The chart shows significant variation in precipitation during the growing season, while spring rains provided some relief, concerns about rainfall and drought persisted throughout the spring and summer. Even with the unpredictable precipitation, the field showed a good uniform stand.

Feed analysis of bales, taken on Feb 12, 2025.

CD (Crude Protein) encomapsses protein and non-protein nitrogen. Sample was 8.17%. The general rule of thumb is 7-9-11 percent for mid-gestation, late-gestation and after calving.

TDN (Total Digestible Nutrients) refers to an estimate of the feed energy value. Sample was 59.25% within range as normal range is 55%-65%, the general rule of thumb is 55-60-65 for mid-gestation, late-gestation and after calving

ADF-CP (Acid Detergent Fiber-Crude Protein) amount of protein present. Sample was 0.67%, normal protein content is around 1%. Value is lower than normal protien content, but given that a higher percentage would indicate less protein is usable by the animal, this number is adequate.

ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber) connected to forage digestibility.  Sample was 44.47%, normal range for a grass-legume mix is 30%-45%.

C:P ratio (Calcium to phosphorus ratio) should be looked at as a ratio and the range is between 2:1 and 6:1. Our sample was 2:1 ratio.  An optimal ratio helps with proper nutrient absorption, and are essential for bone formation.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMROVEMENT

Entering its third year in 2025, this project will continue to apply soil health principles at the study site to promote ongoing improvements in soil function and productivity. In the upcoming season, we aim to expand the scope of the study by selecting and applying three biological amendments, monitoring their effects throughout the growing season. To enhance data precision and mitigate potential risks, strategies such as GPS-based site-specific sampling and improved communication among stakeholders will be implemented.