Researcher, Ph.D.
418 643-2380
ext 420
Crops like corn, soybean, and potato suffer soil degradation as a result of frequent machinery passes (especially for potatoes), monoculture practices, and short-term rotations. This project seeks to create farmer partnerships in which participants work on implementing a three-year forage crop rotation protocol in potato and field crop (corn and soybean) fields. This initiative will help address the problem of soil quality degradation, while facilitating agreements for bringing hay to market. We will also study the impact of incorporating new forage species and improving forage varietal blends on soil health and farm profitability. Lastly, the project will include a technical/economic study of different forage blends and their impact on hay sales by potato and field crop farmers. Once the specialty crop is replanted, we will also conduct biological and physicochemical analyses of soil and biomass, as well as analyses of corn, soybean, and potato crop yield and quality.
From 2019 to 2023
Project duration
Market gardening, Field crops
Activity areas
Soil health, Ecosystem protection
Services
This project, conducted in collaboration with Agrinova, will help restore the potential of a number of different agricultural soils.
Agrinova | Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation | Progest 2001 | 12 agricultural businesses
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