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Long-Term Sustainable Canola Production – All Phases Rotations
Project Details
Lead Researcher(s)
Breanne Tidemann
Co-Researcher(s)
Robert Blackshaw, Chantal Hamel, Elwin Smith, Gary Peng, Henry de Gooijer, Kelly Turkington, Neil Harker, Newton Lupwayi, Yantai Gan
Funding Partners
WGRF
April 2017 - May 2020
Complete
The Challenge
Due to geographical, climatic and economic limitation, continuous or short rotations with canola are common in central and northern Alberta. Understanding the impact of these short rotations over the long-term is necessary.
The Project
To determine the long-term impact of continuous or short rotation canola on weed, insect and disease pressures, as well as effects on the soil microbial diversity and the economic impact of these rotational choices.
The Results
Yield increased by about 7-9 bu/acre and weed pressure decreased as canola rotations increased. There was no significant difference in insect or disease pressure – detailed analysis to come.
Grower Benefits
Gain a better understand of the effects of length or rotation relation to pest management, soil health and economic for sustainable crop production.
Keywords:
Crop rotation, Short rotation, Long rotation, Weeds, Insects, Diseases, Soil diversity, Microbes