Crop Rotation to Minimize Inputs, Optimize Crop Production and Maximize Profit
This research began in 2009, comparing two monocultures and 10 crop rotations using canola, wheat, barley, field pea and flax crops. The 2010–2012 data indicated that crop rotations, with one or two year breaks, improved crop yield over both the canola and wheat monocultures. The project is continued in 2013.

Long Term Effects of Different Soil Test Based Fertilizer Rates on Crop Production, Contribution Margin, and Soil Quality in the Peace Region
From 2009–2012, the 0, 60, 80, 100, 102 and 140 per cent soil test-based fertilizer rates (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur) were applied to barley, canola, field peas and wheat. Overall increases in seed yield were greater from the first than the subsequent fertilizer increments, and it depended on the soil moisture availability. Increased residual soil nitrate and available phosphorus levels from higher fertilizer rates were noticed in some cases. Residual effects of the treatments are being monitored in 2013.

Aug. 1, 2011–2012 (some work continues in 2013)

Alberta Barley Funding: $5,000

Project Partners:

• Alberta Barley
• Smoky Applied Research and Demonstration Association

Project Lead:

Dr. Kabal S. Gill
Research Coordinator
Smoky Applied Research and Demonstration Association