Identification of superior crop rotations to minimize inputs, optimize crop production and maximize contribution margin

The Challenge

With the high frequency of short canola rotations in the southeast Peace region (mostly due to economics), there is concern about canola diseases and yield losses.

The Project

Explore and identify superior crop rotations with peas, barley and flax in canola-wheat rotations. Demonstrate the benefits of crop rotations to minimize input costs, optimize crop production, and increase profits.

The Results

Crop rotations can increase the yield over both continuous canola and wheat systems without additional fertilizer requirements. Including peas into the rotation reduces the nitrogen fertilizer requirements. Contribution margin from each crop in rotations as well as risk of increased pests and changes in soil quality need considerations in selecting a cropping system.

Grower Benefits

Introducing peas into rotation not only decreases nitrogen fertilizer requirements for subsequent year, but potential decrease of pests and increase of profits. Canola on canola rotations required more inputs, decreasing profit.