Posts in Production
Increasing the Agronomic Relevance of the Long Term Rotation at the Indian Head Research Farm

The objectives of this project include: Determining and comparing the long-term effects of short, diverse and wheat-based rotations on agronomics and soil health; examining the short-term differences between these rotations; and documenting carbon and nitrogen input from residues of diverse crop sequences in southeastern Saskatchewan.

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Managing carbon for soil health in wheat-based cropping systems

This project will take advantage of a simple residue manipulation experiment that has been maintained for 20 years at AAFC Lethbridge. To assess soil health, the researchers will merge data on crop yields and soil C and N stocks. This will enable them to construct long-term C and N budgets indicating inputs to and outputs from contrasting treatments, which will be used to further the development of the greenhouse gas calculator, known as Holos. The project also will enable the researchers to study the effects of residues and fertilization on available plant N, which is a critical determinant of yield and profitability.

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Identifying spring wheat varieties that improve nitrogen use efficiency

The ultimate goal of the proposed research is to identify the traits associated with spring wheat varieties that show the best crop NUE, thereby providing breeders with critical information for designing new crosses and breeding approaches aimed at increasing NUE. This research will enable growers to select genotypes that reduce N-fertilizer applications without negatively impacting yields.

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SKSIS-3: Synergies and sustainability for the Saskatchewan soil information system

In the current project SKSIS-3, the main focus is to examine the potential for producer-partnered predictive soil mapping (PPPSM) that might provide higher-resolution soil information through the Predictive Soil Mapping (PSM) feature. The objectives are: to explore data sharing models with data partners that leverage the power of information for PSM and soil resource management; to develop a business plan to provide self-generating base operating funds for maintenance and updates of SKSIS and PSM modules; and to develop a standalone SKSIS feature for efficient remote use in internet deficient areas of Saskatchewan.

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A genetic and genomics approach to improving the milling potential of durum wheat

The objective of this project is to determine the distribution of ash content in the kernel of cultivars of durum wheat with variable expression; to develop and validate robust genotyping platforms for durum wheat with the specific focus on genetic mapping populations with a large range in phenotypic expression of milling potential; and to develop genomic selection prediction models using a combination of high density molecular data and robust milling data.

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Defining best management practices for using supplemental heating with natural air drying

The objectives of this project are to scientifically determine how the use of supplemental heat affects the drying rate and storage conditions of wheat and canola; to determine the economic benefits of using supplemental heating with natural airdrying (NAD) systems; and to compile and disseminate best management practices for use of supplemental heat with NAD.

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Revisiting nitrogen fertilizer recommendations for Saskatchewan: Are we measuring the right soil nitrogen pool?

The main objective of this study is to modify the existing N test method in to a rapid new soil N test that potentially correlates to mineralizable N and crop yield outcomes. Researchers intend to develop this into a commercial soil N test that could be licensed to others or developed further in-house. The new test will provide a better means of estimating fertilizer needs.

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Saskatchewan Variety Performance Group – Data Enhancement and Wheat Midge Resistance Testing

In this project, SVPG is collecting additional data in the variety performance trials on priority traits including maturity, height, lodging, test weight, thousand kernel weight, ergot and wheat midge, to enhance the available data set and to provide farmers with more productive information on farming decisions.

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Field evaluation of one seed treatment inducing multiple agronomic responses from emergence to yield

This project builds on the findings from previous ADF project on the positive effect of recently developed, inexpensive, one-time seed treatment on early seed germination, seedling establishment and enhanced root development in spring. These are the critical factors for increasing yield through advanced flowering and avoidance of heat/drought stress in mid-summer in multiple crops.

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Saskatchewan Variety Performance Group – Data Enhancement and Wheat Midge Resistance Testing

In this project, SVPG is collecting additional data in the variety performance trials on priority traits including maturity, height, lodging, test weight, thousand kernel weight and wheat midge, to enhance the available data set and to provide farmers with more productive information on farming decisions.

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