Fertilizer Canada and Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) have come together with matching funding of $257,252 towards a soil health project that will provide Alberta grain, forage, and crop producers with tangible results realized at the farm gate.
A multi-year soil health project led by Dr. Miles Dyck at the University of Alberta will aim to contribute to Alberta’s efforts to fight climate change and promote responsible nutrient management.
The project will study the longer-term effects of sulphur and nitrogen management, nutrient cycling and its impact on soil health, forage, and grain productivity and quality. The project supports 4R nutrient stewardship — the right source, right rate, right time, and right placement of fertilizers.
Previous research on soil and fertilizers has only included one nutrient at a time. The proposed research will look at the effects of long-term management on soil nutrient stores and soil health, to better quantify the effects of short-term fertilizer applications on crop yields and soil health over different periods.
Outcomes from the study will be aimed at supporting producers’ combined sulphur and nitrogen management decisions for increased crop productivity, grain and forage quality, and improved soil health, says RDAR. Fertilizer management research can increase farm profitability for Alberta producers through increased returns on fertilizer investments and future increased marketability of sustainably produced crops.