The project compares different nitrogen rates applied at different times in the growing season on corn yield and quality. This project was set up on a local producer’s land, southeast of Barrhead.

Corn is becoming a more popular silage option in the west central area, it is a high energy, digestible feed source. There are many corn hybrids out there that work well in our region. For this trial, PS 2320 RR was the variety used. It’s a roundup ready, dual-purpose corn, with good disease resistance. Producing optimal corn silage requires careful attention to soil fertility.  Corn harvested for silage removes more nutrients compared to grain harvest. Understanding the crop’s nutrient requirements is paramount in successful corn silage production.

This year we worked with a producer in Yellowhead County looking at the use of an aerator on pastureland. The implement used was a 2022 Ranch Worx SL Series single drum pull-type aerator. We wanted to look at the efficiency of an aerator in hopes of eliminating the need for completely reworking the land. Aeration is all about improving soil structure, enhancing water infiltration and increasing oxygen availability. Soil aeration is also necessary for aerobic microorganisms. Given that this land is located in the gray luvisol soil zone, compaction may be a concern as it does have a higher clay content and poor drainage. There are several methods of aeration, mechanical, which are spike aerators and subsoilers/rippers. Rippers and subsoilers  are used for deep tillage to break up hardpan layers. There is also biological and natural aeration, biological uses deep rooted cover crops to get through the compacted soil. Natural aeration is using grazing management, rotating the livestock preventing over compaction. Another natural aeration option is controlled traffic farming, it is designed to keep machinery in designated lanes on the field.

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.

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.

Farming Forward 2024 Annual Report