1998 Project S~~~mmaries

Saskatchewa~i Conservation Learning Centre Inc.

June 1998

Table Of Contents ..................................................................... A . Introduction I

.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B . Acknowledgements 2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C . Annual Crops Projects 4 1 . HerbGarden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

. . . . . . . . . . . 2 . Impact of Topography And Nitrogen Fertility On Canola And Wheat Diseases 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . Impact of Residue Burning On Diseases And Yield Of Canola 7

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . Canola Systems Comparison 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . Direct Seeding Do's and Don'ts 1998 9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 . Soil and Crop Response to Sulphur Feitilization 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 . Variable Seeding and Fertilizer Rate Project 13

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . Medicinal Herb Demonstration Plot 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . Dry Bean Demonstration Plot 16

.............................................................. Field-Scale Results 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . Field-scale NorLin Flax 17

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . Field-scale AC Karma CPS Wheat 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . Field-scate CDC Fleet Barley 19

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . Field-scale 45A71 SMART Canola 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . Field-scale AC Splendor Hard Red Spring Wheal 21

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Fteld-scale Alfetta Peas 21

................................................................. E . Forage Projects 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . Effects of Alfalfa in Crop Rotations 23

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . Potential Forages for Use as Dense Nesting Cover 24 3 . DenseNestingCover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . Forage Grass Variety Garden 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . Forage Legume Variety Garden 26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Grass Seed Production in Short-term Crop Rotation 27

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F . Tree Projects 32 1 . Woodlot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . Tree Establishment and Vegetation Control Trial 32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . Shelterbelt Species Garden 33

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . White Spruce Field Shelterbelt 33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . Green Ash Field Shelterbelt 34

6 . ForestBelt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 . Fruit Shrubs 34

G . Treeprojects ................................................................... 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . Water Quality Monitoring Project 35

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . WildlifeSurvey 36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Ramfall Records 37

A. Introduction

Background

The Conservation Learning Centre (CLC) was established in the spring of 1993. Founding partners contributed land (Ducks Unlimited Canada), finances (Parkland Agriculture Research Initiative) and management (Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association). Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food and Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Agency were also instrumental in the establishment of the CLC. Later, the Royal Bank joined as a partner, with particular interest in the school program. In April 1997, the Centre incorporated as the non-profit organization, the Saskatchewan Conservation Learning Centre Inc.

The CLC is a demonstration farm which showcases farming practices that conserve soil, water and wildlife in the Parkland region. The site, chosen for its variable landscape, covers three quarter sections of land. Each year a wide variety of research and demonstration projects are established. The focus is sustainable farming practices including direct seeding, precision farming strategies, incorporation of forages, development of shelterbelts and enhancing wildlife habitat.

As a demonstration facility, the CLC offers an opportunity for visitors of all ages and expertise to learn the basics of conservation through to the latest technological advances in agricultural production. The information is highlighted during summer tours, winter workshops, in annual project reports and through the media. The youth participate through the CLC's Education Program which combines in-class curriculum with on-site activities.

1998 Review

Seeding began and was finished earlier than usual due to the dry conditions. All low spots were seeded. There was very little moisture (0.6", 15.8 mm) until the middle of June but there was significant rainfall between June 19 and July 20 (9.4", 239.3 mm). This delayed some spraying and caused drowning of crops in low spots. There was no significant rainfall after that period. Crops performed well with the exception of wheat (wheat midge) and barley (net blotch). Yield maps were generated for the fields of hard red spring wheat, CPS white wheat, flax and canola. These maps will be used in the next step toward precision farming.

Five hundred producers and industry representatives attended the field tours and a unknown number of people took self-guided tours. Organized field tours included the BASF Sclerotinia Awareness Day, Monsanto Preharvest Field Day, Royal Bank

clienustaff tour, SSCA producerlstaff tour, Herb Producers field day, Prince Albert Businessmen's Club tour, Prince Albert Horticultural Society tour, as well as the CLC's Crop Choices and Management and Crop Diseases and Insects field day.

Over 1 000 students participated in the school program. Unfortunately, a further 200 students were prevented from visiting the CLC due to the early snowfall in October. Demand for the school program continues to outstrip time available which attests to its increasing popularity.

In total, 39 projects were established or continued in 1 998. This report summarizes or updates results of most projects.

Planning for 1999 is well undeway. We invite suggestions or comments and welcome volunteers, members or directors.

B. Acknowledgements The Conservation Learning Centre (CLC) continues to operate through a partnership of producers, government and non-government organizations and industry. The CLC is grateful for the support it receives from its many cooperators, including the help of surrounding neighbours. It is sincerely appreciated.

1998 Partners and Sponsors:

Partners Ducks Unlimited Canada Saskatchewan Soil Conse wation Association Royal Bank of Canada

Gold Sponsors Monsanto Canada Inc. BASF Canada Inc.

Contributors Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Silhouette Pedigree Seeds Cargilt Seed AgrEvo Canada Inc. Wyett Meyers Philom Bios Esso Farm-Tek MicroBio R hizoGen Corporation

Silver Sponsors Simplot Canada Limited Cyanarnid Crop Protection John Deere Limited

Donations Farm Credit Corporation Crop Development Centre, University

of Saskatchewan Bailey Brothers Seeds Inc. Specialty Seeds Ltd.

1998 Project Funding: Canada-Saskatchewan Agri-Food Innovati~n Agreement

The CLC is guided by a board of directors drawn from producers and industry representatives. Their devotion ensures that the CLC continues to operate successfully. Their support and guidance is greatly appreciated.

Producer Board Members: Greg Kane, Nakomis (chairman) Ed Beauchesne, Albertville Clarence Brule, Albertville Dwayne Mitchell, North Battleford Dave Newhouse, Hagen Ian Ptyznyk, Birch Hills Brent Serviss, Kinistino Garry Thiel, Shellbrook

Agency Board Members: Phil Curry, Ducks Unlimited Canada Jason Fradette, PFRA Dr. Ken Kirkland, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Dr. Randy Kutcher, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Dave Lukash, Crop Protection Institute Richard McBride, Ducks Unlimited Canada Barry Swanson, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Dr. Fran Walley, University of Saskatchewan

1998 Staff: Manager: Laurie Hayes, M.Sc., P.Ag. Past Manager: Patricia Flaten, P.Ag. School Program Coordinator: Garry Brad Past Coordinator: Joan Detillieux Summer Field Assistants: Trevor Kotyk

Dick Bergen Stan Wichorek

Annual Crops Projects

1. Herb Garden

Purpose: To evaluate how well common herbs establish and grow in the Prince Albert area. An emphasis has been placed on perennial, winter hardy medicinal herbs that have market potential for local growers. A number of culinary herbs have also been established.

Planting Pate: Herbs were planted in June, 1997.

Activity and Observations: All herbs established well. The demonstration garden is located adjacent to a short hedge which provides a snow trap, No mulching was done to assist in wintering, However, a wood shavings mulch has been applied to assist with weed control.

Following are the herbs that were planted in 1997: + Valerian 4 Feverfew + Lemon Basil 4 Mugwort 4 Yarrow 4 Summer Savory + Monarda 4 Peppermint 4 Thyme 4 Evening Primrose 4 Sage 4 Spearmint + German Charnornije + Lavender t Burdock + Echinacea (purpurea + Rosemary + Sheep Sorrel

and angustifolia) + Sweet Basil

In 1999, ginseng, elecampane, goldenseal, and evening primrose will be added to the demonstration garden.

Cooperators: Prince Albert Agriculture, Development and Diversification Board #32 Barry Swanson, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

2. Impact of Topography and Nitrogen Fertiiity on Canola and Wheat Diseases

Purpose: 4 Determine the variability of diseases in canola and wheat over a hummocky

landscape + Determine the interaction of nitrogen fertility and landscape position with disease

severity or incidence + Determine the interaction of fungicide disease control with these factors.

Methods: Two field experiments were established on hummocky terrain and seeded to Brassica napus canola (cv Hyola 401) or hard red spring wheat (cv Katepwa). Prior to seeding a blanket fertilizer application of 1 50 kglha 12-51 -0, 100 kglha 0-0-60 and 150 kglha 0-0- 0-1 7 was made over each experiment. The experimental treatments consisted of four nitrogen treatments: 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg Nlha applied as urea (46-0-0) side-banded at seeding. Each nitrogen treatment was split and fungicide applied to one half of the plot to control blackleg (Quadris 125 g ailha) and sclerotinia (Ronilan 500 g ailha) in canola and leaf spots (Tilt 125 g ailha) in wheat. Plots were approximately 3 m x 100 m replicated fourtimes. Disease severity ratings and yield samples were taken from two slope positions (upper and lower) within each plot. Canola diseases were assessed on 100 plants and wheat diseases on 25 plants in each slope position of each plot.

Results: Blackleg was the most prevalent disease observed on canola, although disease incidence was low (~7% of plants infected). Blackleg incidence was more frequent on upper than lower slopes and incidence was reduced by fungicide application at both slope positions (Figure 1 ). The incidence of blackleg lesions increased with increasing nitrogen fertility. Leaf spots of wheat were identified as mainly Septoria trifici and S. nudorum. Leaf spot severity was greater on upper than lower slopes and severity decreased as nitrogen fertility increased. Tilt was effective in reducing leaf spot severity on both slopes and over all nitrogen treatments, Interactions among slope position, nitrogen fertility and fungicide application were not detected for either wheat leaf spots or blackleg of canola. Yields of both crops were greater on lower than upper slopes reflecting higher disease levels and drier conditions on upper slopes. Tilt increased yield of wheat on both slopes and over all nitrogen treatments by an average of 8.4 bushels per acre, Fungicide application did not increase yield of canola. Nitrogen fertility did not have an impact on yield of either crop possibly due to the warm winter that preceded the study causing increased nitrogen mineralization and availability. The

lack of an interaction between nitrogen fertility, fungicide use or slope for disease severity or yield for either wheat and canola indicated that under the conditions of the study it was not beneficial to target inputs to specific slope positions.

Cooperators: Dr. H. R. Kutcher and Dr. S. S. Malhi, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Melfort

Figure 1. Yield and disease severity (0-1 1 scale) of wheat and yield and blackleg disease incidence of canola at Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in 1998.

Disease Severity and Yield of Wheat Blackleg lneldence and Yield of Canola

Nitrogen Feltillty (kg M a ) Nitrogen Fertlllty (kg NmaJ

3. Impact of Residue Burning on Diseases and Yield of Canola

Purpose: To determine the effects of burning canola residue on disease and yield in subsequent canola crops.

Methods: Canola (Brassica napus, cv Hyola 401) was seeded into plots of canola residue that had either been burnt the previous fall or left unburnt. These two treatments were established in a randomized complete block design of four replicates. Plots of 8 x 30 metres were direct seeded at 7.5 kglha May 26 with a Conservapak no-till drill using a 225 cm row spacing. Furadan 5G (5% carbofuran) was placed with the seed at 7.5 kg/ha. One hundred kglha of 13-20-10-10 was applied with the seed and 87 kglha of urea (46-0-0) was side banded at seeding. Four metre alleyways between plots and around the perimeter of the experiment were seeded to fall rye to facilitate burning of residue. Disease ratings were conducted on 200 plants of each plot at swathing and harvested for yield measurement.

Results: Blackleg (Leptosphaeria maculans) was the most prevalent disease recorded. Alternaria black spot and sclerotinia stem rot were observed only in trace amounts. Differences between the burnt and unburnt treatments were not obtained for blackleg incidence or severity, emergence, yield, thousand kernel weight or bushel weight (Table 1). Diseased plants appeared to occur less frequently, and emergence and yield appeared greater for burnt treatments than unburnt. However disease and yield data were highly variable as indicated by the magnitude of the least significant difference (LSD) values.

Table 1. Effect of residue burning on blackleg disease incidence, disease severity, emergence, yield, thousand kernel weight (TKW) and bushel weight (HW) of Hyola 401 canola at the Conservation Learning Centre, Prince Albert in 1998.

Treatment Incidence Severity Emergence Yield TKW BW (%) (0-5 scale) (plants/rn2) (kalha) (qrams) (tbsfbu)

Burnt 5.0 0.13 69.2 1761.7 3.5 52.5

Unburnt 10.5 0.19 86.8 1471.0 3.5 53 .O

LSD 1, 05, 19.9 ns 0.27 ns 18.4 ns 1022.4 ns 0.5 ns 1 . 1 ns

Cooperators: C . Kirkham and Or. H. R. Kutcher, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Melfort

4. Canola Systems Comparison

Purpose: In 1998 AgrEvo had a systems comparison trial at the CLC. This was one of many such trials that AgrEvo had throughout Western Canada. These trials were seeded (seed supplied by AgrEvo and Plant Genetic Systems), managed and harvested by farmer cooperators using their own equipment. All three novel trait systems were used within the trials: Liberty Link, Roundup Ready and Smart. The appropriate herbicides were applied by AgrEvo personal making these trials a systems comparison. The trials were taken to yield using the farmers' equipment and a weigh wagon. The yield data is net yield after dockage and standardized for moisture.

Results: Conditions at some locations in 1998 were less than ideal for canola comparisons. This included a heavy frost in early June. The site at the CLC was direct seeded into wheat stubble which had quite a bit of trash on top. The frost caused irreversible damage at the spots where there was a lot of trash. Since the trash was not spread out evenly across the entire site, it was no longer a fair comparison. For this reason, the systems comparison data at the CLC site was not useable in 1998.

We can, however, supply some regional demonstration strip trial results from across Saskatchewan (Table 1). This data is from side-by-side comparisons and, as mentioned above, all varieties were sprayed with the appropriate herbicides.

Figure 1. Yields of Liberty Link, Roundup Ready and Smart canola varieties and systems as compared to Invigor 21 53.

-. --

Canoia Systems Comparison I

Check Variety I i I

I

* Designates number of sites compared.

Cooperators: AgrEvo and Plant Genetic Systems (Canada) Inc.

5. Direct Seeding Do's and Don'ts 1998

Purpose: To demonstrate common mistakes that can be made as producers switch to a direct seeding system. Mistakes focused on this year were depth of seeding, seed placed fertilizer and speed of seeding. Two different row spacings and three openers were also included in the trials.

Treatments: The crops used in the CLC trials were wheat, canola, and peas. A Flexi-coil 5000 air drill equipped with Stealth openers was used to seed the trials. The drill was set up with half of the shanks on 12-inch row spacing and half on 9-inch spacing. In the double shooting trials, three of the 12-inch spaced shanks had Stealth paired row openers while the rest were equipped with Stealth side band openers. In the single shoot treatments, all products either were placed behind the Stealth knife or, on some, the Stealth 3-inch spread tip openers (labelled spoon) were used. The plots were seeded May 12. Soil conditions were dryer then normal but the seed was, for the most part, placed in moisture. Plant counts were taken on June 12 and yields were evaluated by taking square metre samples. Similar Do's and Don'ts (D&D) plots were set up at ten other locations in the province.

Results: Table 1. Field peas (Alfetta peas seeded at 3 bulac, 2.5" deep, 100 lblac 16-25-0-12)

I ROW

TREATMENTS

PLANT COUNTS I YIELD (bulacl

SPACE

INCH€ S

No inoculant, no fertilizer

No inoculant, side band fertilizer

Granular inoculanl, no fertilizer

BIO-coat Plus (Carneval peas), fertilizer side band

Tag Team inoculant, side band fertilizer

Tag Team inoculant, fertilizer seed placed with 3/4" knife

Tag Team inoculant, side band fertilizer, deep seeding (3" - 5")

Shallow seeded (0.5"), Tag Team inoculant, fertilizer seed placed with knife

9 12

9 12

9 12

9 12

9 12

9 12

9 12

9 12

"AVERAGE is the average of all similar Do's and Don'ts treatments at the 11 locations

9

CLC

PERM ROW

13

CLC

56

PER Ma

55

AVERAGE'

PER M ROW

PER M2

Table 2. Wheat (AC Splendor seeded at 100 I blac, 1 65 Iblac 34- 1 7-0)

Table 3. Canola (Smart canola seeded at 6 Iblac, 201

TREATMENTS

Proper seeding depth (1 -5"-2"), 56 lblac N side banded, 4 mph

Proper seeding depth (1 -5"-2"), 56 lblac N side banded, 6 mph

Proper seeding depth (1.5"-Z"), 56 Iblac N seed placed wdh W knife

Deep seeding (3") , 56 Iblac N seed placed with =L' knife

TREATMENTS

Proper seeding depth (1 "), 60 lblac N side banded, 4 mph

Proper seeding depth (1 "), 60 lblac N side banded, 6 mph

Proper seeding depth (1 "), 60 lblac N seed placed with knife I 12

60 Iblac N seed placed with 3" spoon 1 1 2 1 2 5

Proper seed~ng depth (1.5"-2"), 9 52 228 45 195 31 34 56 Iblac N seed placed with 3" spoon 1 12 ( 57 1 190 1 46 I 150 3 4 1 36

ROW

SPACE INCHES

9 12 9 12 9 12 9 12

7 - . .

seed placed with 4i" knife Proper seeding depth (1 "),

60 lblac N seed placed with 3" spoon Shallow seeding depth (0.5"-I"),

1 Wac of 30- 1 5-0-5) PLANT COUNTS I YIELD (bulac)

PLANT COUNTS

ROW

SPACE INCHES

9 12 9 12 9

Deep seeding (37, 60 lblac N 9

Summary: FERTILIZER PLACEMENT: Generally where the concentration of seed-placed fertilizer was greater, the plots looked poorer. Plant counts certainly confirmed this in the pea and canola trials at the CLC. The wheat treatment with seed-placed fertilizer with the narrow knife opener had somewhat reduced counts but yield was not affected showing that cereals can stand more seed placed fertilizer. Using a spreader type of opener reduces some of the toxicity of seed placed fertilizer. Plant counts and yields with the spoon certainly bear this out. Deep seeded trials with seed placed fertilizer generally show that combinations of mistakes compound and the crop has greater difficulty to recover from these combinations, This is especially evident when comparing average plant counts across all of the Do's and Don'ts plots in canola and in wheat. Wheat

YIELD (bulac)

C PERM ROW 49 26 39 34 10

12 9 12 9

CLC

35 30 32 33 30 36

CLC

16 9 13

AVERAGE

35 32 3 1 33 35 35 35 33

PER M ROW

51 60 50 59 32 49 45 5 1

AVERAGE PER MZ

223 1 97 21 9 194 140 161 197 1 67

PER M ROW I

4 1 49 40 52 35 38 31 38

PER MZ

181 159 176 171 151 124 1 36 125

yields are not affected but canola yields certainly are. In some locations, the maturity of canola in the seed placed fertilizer treatments was also delayed up to a week.

DEPTH OF SEEDING: In addition to the comments above, deep seeding peas did not seem to affect plant count or yield. Also, shallow seeded trials were most affected by soil moisture conditions after seeding. Where it was dry at and after seeding, shallow- seeded crops had very poor emergence. This was particularly evident on the shallow seeded pea treatment at the CLC.

OPENER WIDTH: In addition to previous comments on the spreader tip, the other opener width consideration we demonstrated was paired row versus side band. Producers want a paired row opener because they want more stubble to hold up swaths. Measuring cereal stubble row width at swathed height on these trials revealed that the paired row has, on average, a 1 inch wider bearing surface per row than the side band opener.

ROW SPACING: In general, observations on the difference between row spacing in all plots was that there was no yield advantage to narrower row spacing except on one very dry site where the canopy did not close very well across the wide row. Plant counts show that plant counts per metre row were generally higher on the 12-inch row spacing but the actual density (plants/m2) was lower. It is our interpretation that this did not affect yield except where the canopy could not close quickly enough to prevent a lot of soil moisture loss to evaporation.

SPEED: Recommended direct seeding speed is not over 5 mph. Although we found no significant difference in plant counts or yield between 4 and 6 mph, we consistently observed that 6-mph treatments had deeper troughs, disturbed more soil and had a rougher field finish.

It must be pointed out that these trials are demonstration plots and were not replicated to ensure scientific accuracy.

Cooperators: F lexi-coil Seeding equipment SSCA Seeding and plant counts Scott Research Farm Processed yield samples

6. Soil and Crop Response to Sulfur Fertilization

Purpose: To determine soil and crop response to sulfur fertilizers in the year of application (1 997) and the following two years (1 998 and 1999).

Treatments: Three different sulfur fertilizer forms were used: + Dispersible elemental form (SulFer 95) 4 Gypsum (calcium sulfate) + Ammonium sulfate.

These fertilizers were broadcast, applied at rates of 0, 20, 40 and 80 kg Slha in the early spring of 1997. Each sulfur treatment received nitrogen fertilizer at a rate equivalent to the ammonium sulfate treatment. In 1997, canola was seeded on the plots. In 1998, barley was seeded using recommended rates of nitrogen and phosphorus but no sulfur.

Each treatment was replicated four times. Fertilizers were applied in a broadcast application on April 23. The field was seeded to Fleet barley on May 8. Soil samples were taken from control plots at the time of seeding (0 - 30 cm, 30 - 60 crn). Plant Root Simulator probes were used to measure sulfate supply rates in the plots in the field in July. At maturity, the plots were harvested and grain and straw yields determined. The plots were sampled again in September for soil sulfate content.

Measurements made on the plots include spring and fall soil sulfate contents (0-60 cm), mid-season soil sulfate supply rates, grain and straw yield, crop nitrogen and sulfur uptake.

Results: In 1997, all of the sulfur fertilizers were effective in producing yield increases in canola. However, recovery of sulfur in the crop plus residual soil sulfate in the fall was greatest at the high rates of added sulfur and with the sulfate fertilizer forms. On the basis of a sulfur balance, only a portion of the elemental S appeared to be oxidized to sulfate over the growing season. Soil available sulfate supply rates also increased with sulfur fertilizer addition and were highest with the sulfate fertilizer forms at the high application rates.

In 1998, the barley showed limited yield response to residual soil sulfur from any of the sulfur fertilizer forms in any of the treatments. A slight residual effect of the nitrogen added in 1997 was observed, with highest barley yields in 1998 obtained in those treatments receiving a high rate of N in 1997. Lack of barley yield response to residual fertilizer sulfur may be explained by lower sulfur requirements of barley as compared to canola and moisture limitations on growth as the highest barley yield obtained at this site in 1998 was only around 1,400 kglha. Analysis of soil and crop samples from the 1998 season is in progress, with the final field season anticipated in 1999.

Cooperators: Dr. Jeff Schoenau, Dr. G. Wen, Ken Greer, Department of Soil Science, University of Saskatchewan

SulFer Works Inc. Funding Dr. Jim Beaton Advice

7. Variable Seeding and Fertilizer Rate Project

Purpose: To determine the effect of variable fertilizer and seeding rate treatments on wheat yield in topographically defined management units.

Treatments: The CLC site is one of five sites located across Saskatchewan which are being used to provide an agronomic database for use by producers interested in precision farming. The results presented here are from the first year of a three year study. The CLC site is the most productive of the five. At the other sites the soils range from thin, low fertility soils on the knolls through to very productive soils in lower slope positions. At the CLC site, the quality of soils shows much less variation from knoll through to the lower slopes.

Two management units were used at the CLC -- upper slopes and lower slopes. The lower slope positions do not include the permanent sloughs.

At each site there were ten treatments (Table 1) in each block and each block was replicated six times. Five treatments are fractional rates of N, two are seeding rate treatments, and three are P treatments. At the CLC in 1998 the recommended N rate was 62 lblac and the recommended P rate was 25 Iblac.

2 1 1.5 1 I x (recommended) ( 0

Table 1. Treatments used at the CLC.

Results: Greater yield differences across management units were observed in 1997 as compared to 1998. In 1997 yields averaged across the five N treatments were

Treatment

1

Seeding Rate (bulac)

1.5

N (46-0-0)

0

P ( I 1-52-0)

0

approximately 1 0 bulac higher in the lower management units. In 1 998 this difference was only about 4 bulac (Table 2).

Table 2. Wheat yields (bulac) for management units averaged across N treatments. Manaqement Unit

Upper Lower Year Grain Yield (bu/ac)

In both 1997 and 1998, it appears that yield differences across management units were a reflection of the differences in plant available moisture, as controlled by topography. Soil moisture differences across the landscape resulted in greater yields in lower slope positions in 1997 and similar yields across the landscape in 1998. In 1997 differences in soil moisture across the landscape were likely due to the redistribution of moisture following snow melt. This increase in soil moisture down slope resulted in significantly larger crop yields in the lower slope positions. In 1 998 the control topography exerted on soil moisture had the opposite effect on crop yields. Excess moisture in lower slope positions following a large rainfall event (1 13.3 mm) on July 5 resulted in flooding. Resultant from this flooding, which persisted over most of the growing season, was depressed yields. Average yields in the flooded lower slope positions were approximately 15 bulac lower than the non-flooded counterparts. This yield depression in the lower slope positions resulted in more similar yields across management units in 1998 as compared to 1997.

In 1998 wheat yields in the upper slope positions increased dramatically as the N fertilizer rate was increased from the ON1 P treatment to the 0.5N1 P rate. Any further increases in N fertilizer did not result in an increase in yield. Furthermore, the upper slope positions were more responsive to N fertilization as compared to the lower slope positions. This differs slightly from the relationships observed in 1997. In 1997 yield increases from the ON1 P to 0.5N1 P were similar in both landscape positions (Table 3). The lack of an N fertilizer response in the lower landscape positions in 1998 is likely related to the negative effects flooding had on crop yield in the lower slope positions.

fable 3. Wheat yields (bulac) for N treatments within the two management units. N Treatments

ONIP 0.5N 1 P 1 N1 P 1.5N1 P 2N1P Manaaement Unit Grain Yield (bu/ac)

Upper 1997 26.0 29.0 31.8 29.2 26.6 1998 28.7 36.3 36.6 38.7 42.0

Lower 1997 32.3 38.3 39.5 39.4 40.7 1998 36.0 38.3 42.6 38.5 49.1

Neither the P nor seeding rate treatments produced significant responses on the two management units.

It is apparent upon consideration of both the 1997 and 1998 results that growing season characteristics have a strong influence on landscape-crop yield relationships. A strong relationship between yield and landscape position was apparent in 1997, but did not occur in 1998. The lack of a landscape relationship in 1998 reflects the vulnerability of crop yield in lower slope positions to large one-time precipitation events. An accurate evaluation of precision agriculture in rolling landscapes must also include a rainfall probability assessment that would encompass single large precipitation events.

Cooperators: Dr. Adrian Johnston, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Melfort Dr. Dan Pennock and Dr. Fran Walley, Department of Soil Science,

University of Saskatchewan Agri-Food Innovation Fund

8. Medicinal Herb Demonstration Plot

Purpose: + Observe plant establishment and development of a variety of medicinal herbs 4 Gather agronomic data such as plant adaptability, yields, weed control and other

production problems to help producers assess the feasibility of medicinal herb production

? Host public field days

The plot includes the root crops Burdock, Astragalus, Valerian, and Echinacea angustofolia, and the herbal crops Feverfew, German Chamomile, and Fireweed and demonstrates the potential and limitation through: + Direct seeding versus transplants + Drip irrigation versus non irrigation + Plastic mulch versus no mulch

Results: As expected, transplanting produces a more consistent stand. Burdock, Valerian, German Chamomile, E. angustofolia, and Feverfew established well by direct seeding, with significantly better stands where irrigated. Fireweed and Astragatus did not establish well by direct seeding.

As this was the first year of the project, only three of the crops were harvestable. Burdock was harvested in October using a small U-bar digger. The non-irrigated root was superior in appearance and yield (irrigated = 45.2# wet weight for 145 plants, non- irrigated = 54.2# for 137 plants). Feverfew was harvested in early August. Yields were slightly better under irrigation. German Chamomile was also harvested in early August

and yielded approximately 30% better under irrigation. Both German Chamomile and Feverfew have the potential of being harvested twice a year. As this was an establishment year, only one harvesting was done.

This plot will be maintained in a similar manner for an additional three years and agronomic data will continue to be gathered.

Cooperators: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Agri-Food Innovation Fund PFRA Mulch and application NorSask Botanicals Inc.

9. Dry Bean Demonstration Plot

Purpose: To demonstrate dry bean varieties

Background: Beans were seeded directly into barley stubble May 26, 1 998 at 1.5-2.0" depth at a plant rate of 40-45 plants per square metre. Individual varieties were seeded at rates as determined by thousand kernel weights. + CDC Nighthawk is a medium-seeded black bean. The growth habit is Type II -- the

vine remains fairly upright, allowing most pods to clear to the cutterbar during harvest. It is likely the most widely grown black bean variety in western Canada. It was seeded at 106 pounds per acre.

+ CDC Expresso is a medium-seeded black bean. The growth habit is Type I -- a determinate bush with good pod clearance. The main stem ends in a flower cluster instead of a vine. It is the earliest available black bean. It was seeded at 100 pounds per acre.

+ CDC Camino pinto bean is a tall upright bean with a determinate (Type I) growth habit. It is later maturing than Othello. It was seeded at 80 pounds per acre.

+ CDC Nordic is a large great northern bean with a determinate (Type I) growth habit. It is popular due to its large seed. It was seeded at 80 pounds per acre.

Results: Emergence was fairly even across varieties. Spraying for weeds (Basagran} was delayed and resulted in a heavy infestation of wild oats and Canada thistle which affected production. In early July, a rainfall of -5.5" drowned large portions of the plots and as a result, the plots were unharvestabte. The beans were subsequently mowed.

Co-operators: Crop Development Centre, Seed University of Saskatchewan

Bailey Brothers Seeds Seed Specialty Seeds Seed

Alf field-scale crops were seeded with an Edwards Zero Till Drill, equipped with Atom Jet openers. Hawest of canola, red spring wheat, CPS white wheat and fhx was completed using a 96 1 0 John Deere combine equipped with the G reensfar yield mapping system (machine and operator donated by John Deere). Acres seeded as well as acres of peas and barley hamsted are estimates while all other acres harvested were based on data from the Greenstar system.

1. Field-scale NorLin FTax

Purpose: To produce a flax crop using direct seeding techniques ACRES: Seeded: 70 acres Harvested: 64.63 acres

Crop: NorLin flax seeded at 0.75 bulacre May f 5 - 19, 1998

Previous Crop: Stander and Stacey barley. Straw and chaff were chopped and spread moderately well. Some crop residue problems were encountered during seeding, All low areas were seeded as 1 998 spring conditions were dry.

Fertilizer: Seed placed 40 #lacre (12-51 -13) Side-injected 45 #lacre N as liquid fertilizer

Pesticides: Pre-harvest Roundup (1 .O Uacre) August 13, 1997 Pre-seed Roundup Transorb (0.5 Uacre) May 13 Poast Ultra (37.5 acreslcase) June 23 MCPA (37.5 acreslcase) June 30 Pre-harvest Roundup Transorb (1.0 Uacre) August 29

Results: Yield: 28.98 bulacre. Grade: 1. Dockage: 2.7%. Good crop emergence. There were hot spots of flixweed and wild mustard in some parts of the fietd but herbicides controlled all targeted weeds welt. The straw was chopped and spread with the chaff over a small section of the field (=7 acres), while throughout the remainder of the field, the straw and chaff were dropped in windrows, baled (round) without strings and burned after the large snowfall in October. Significant amounts of rainfall between June 15 and July 15 filled many low spots, causing browning and drowning of flax.

Cooperators: Simplot Monsanto BASF John Deere PAMI

Liquid fertilizer Roundup Transorb Poast Ultra Combine, operator, yield mapping Yield measurements, trucking

2. Field-scale Karma CPS Wheat

Purpose: To produce a crop of CPS wheat using direct seeding techniques ACRES: Seeded: 1 00 acres Harvested: 77.1 6 acres

Crop: AC Karma CPS white wheat seeded at 1.75 bulacre May 9

Previous Crop: 45A71 SMART canola. Straw and chaff were chopped and spread well. No crop residue problems were experienced during seeding. All low areas were seeded as 1998 spring conditions were dry.

Fertilizer: Seed placed 50 #/acre (1 2-51 -0) Side-injected 80 #/acre N as liquid fertilizer

Pesticides: Pre-seed Roundup Transorb (0.5 Vacre) May 7 Triumph Plus (40 acreslcase) June 9

Results: Yield: 54.64 bulacre. Grade: 1. Dockage: 1.7%. Good crop emergence. The outside round of the field (a32 acres) was treated with double the recommended rate of Triumph Plus (20 acreslcase)

Fast Forward were established and showed distinct differences in weed control and effect on crop maturity. Barley was straight combined with the straw chopped and spread well.

Cooperators: Simplot Monsanto

John Deere PAMI

Liquid fertilizer Roundup Transorb, Roundup Fast

Forward, pre-harvest spraying Combine, operator, yield mapping Yield measurements, trucking

4. Field-scale 45A71 SMART Canola

Purpose: To produce a canola crop using direct seeding techniques ACRES: Seeded: 20 acres Hawested; 18.24

Crop: 45A71 SMART canola seeded at 7 #lacre May 15, 1998

Previous Crop: AC Splendor wheat. Chaff and straw chopped and spread moderately well in most areas. Some crop residue problems were encountered during seeding. All low areas were seeded as 1998 spring conditions were dry.

Fertilizer: Seed placed 40 #/acre (1 2-5 I -0) Side-injected 80 #/acre N and 10 #lacre S as liquid fertilizer

Pesticides: Pre-harvest Roundup (1.0 lfacre) August 20, 1 997 Pre-seed Roundup Transorb (0.5 Uacre) May 13 Odyssey (55 acreslcase) June 9

Results: Yield: 25.89 bulacre. Grade: 1. Dockage: 3.7%. Crop residue had an impact on time to emergence as well as frost damage (early June). Plants surrounded by heavy trash cover froze more readily than those with less trash. Remaining plants were competitive and weeds were well controlled. There was no evidence of insect damage and, although sclerotinia was present, the low rate did not necessitate fungal control. Straw and chaff were chopped and spread well.

Cooperators: Cyanamid Simplot Monsanto John Deere PAM!

45A71 SMART canola seed, Odyssey Liquid fertilizer Roundup Transorb Corn bine, operator, yield mapping Yield measurements, trucking

5. Field-scale AC Splendor Hard Red Spring Wheat

Purpose: To produce a wheat crop using direct seeding techniques ACRES: Seeded: 32 acres Harvested: 26.55 acres

Crop: AC Splendor HRS wheat seeded at 1.75 bulacre May 13, 1998

Previous Crop: Highlight peas. Straw and chaff were chopped and spread very well. No crop residue problems encountered during seeding. All low areas were seeded as 1998 spring conditions were dry.

Fertilizer: Seed placed 50 #lacre (1 2-51 -0) Side-injected 50 #/acre N as liquid fertilizer

Pesticides: Pre-seed Roundup Transorb (0.5 Uacre) May 7 Accord + Avenge + Refine Extra (40 acreslcase) June 9

Results: Yield: 31.18 bulacre. Grade: 2. Dockage: 3.0% Good crop emergence. Good weed control by herbicides. Significant wheat midge damage (crop was not sprayed). Grade was adversely affected. Straw and chaff were chopped and spread well.

Cooperators: Cargill Simplot Monsanto BASF John Deere PAMI

AC Splendor hard red spring wheat seed Liquid fertilizer Roundup Transorb Accord, Avenge, Refine Extra Combine, operator, yield mapping Yield measurements, trucking

6. Field-scale Alfetta Peas

Purpose: To produce a pea crop using direct seeding techniques ACRES: Seeded: 32 acres Harvested: 32 acres

Crop: Alfetta peas seeded at 3 bulacre May 7, 1998

Previous Crop: Stander barley. Straw and chaff were chopped and spread moderately well. Some crop residue problems were encountered during seeding. All low areas were seeded as 1998 spring conditions were dry.

Fertilizer: Seed placed 30 #/acre (1 2-51 -0) Side-injected 20 #/acre N as liquid fertilizer

Pesticides:

Cooperators:

Pre-seed Roundup Transorb (0.5 Uacre) May 7 Odyssey (55 acrdcase) June 9

Yield: -34 busheldacre. Grade: 2. Splits: 12.3%. Dockage: 0.6%. Good crop emergence, Good weed control by herbicides. One spot of peas set back by accidental double dose of Odyssey. Stunted growth for a period but were mature at same time as rest of field. Peas ware extremely dry when combined which contributed to the large percentage of splits. Straw and chaff were chopped and spread very well.

Silhouette Seeds Cyanam id Simplot Monsanto Philom Bios

Alfetta pea seed Odyssey Liquid fertilizer Roundup Transorb TagTeam inoculant

Forage Projects

1. Effects of Alfalfa in Crop Rotations

Purpose: 4 Determine the effect of duration of alfalfa stand on soil nutrient supply as reflected

in spring wheat yield and quality. + Determine the effect of alfalfa termination method on the release of nutrients and

regrowth of alfalfa.

Project Description: 4 Alfalfa was seeded in strips on a sandy loam soil at the CLG Farm in May of 1994,

1995,1996 and 1997. + On August 5'" I 998, plots were established across the four years of alfalfa seeding

and the forage was terminated using either tillage alone, herbicide alone (Roundup + 2,4-D) or a combination of herbicide followed by fall tillage (September 23).

4 Fall soil samples were collected in early October from the test area for nutrient determination to a depth of 24".

+ In the spring of 1999, spring wheat (cv. AC Taber) will be seeded into the trial area. The wheat will be seeded with and without soil test recommended N rates, within each of the alfalfa termination treatments. All treatments will receive starter phosphorus fertilizer. This will result in a four replicate split-plot design, with termination methods as the main plots and fertilizer N as the subplots.

+ Prier to seeding in the spring soil moisture will be collected to determine the influence of alfalfa termination method on spring plant-available water.

+ Data collection in 1999 will include: 4 Soil water to 36" 4 Plant establishment 3 to 4 weeks post seeding + Alfalfa regrowth and residual weed populations + Grain and straw yield + Grain and straw N concentration

Results: Results from the first year of re-cropping the alfalfa fields will be available in the 1999 annual report.

Cooperators: Adrian Johnston and Heather Loeppky, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Melfort

2. Potential Forages for Use as Dense Nesting Cover

Purpose: To evaluate the persistence of several forages within dense nesting cover (DNC).

Species: Ten species were over-seeded through a traditional dense nesting cover mixture on June I , 1993 in 8' x 1 10' plots. The traditional DNC mixture consisted of 3 7 O A intermediate wheatgrass, 37% tall wheatgrass, 10.5% slender wheatgrass, 1 0.Soh meadow bromegrass and 5% alfalfa. The over-seeded species included:

+ S-7133K smooth bromegrass + Greenleaf pubescent wheatgrass + 5-9051 intermediate wheatgrass + James Dahurian wild ryegrass + Lodorm green needlegrass + Common sheep's fescue + S-1755 hard fescue 4 Oxley cicer milkvetch + Yellowhead alfalfa 4 Anik alfalfa

On August 1 , 1996, species frequency and biomass were sampled using two ?4 m2 quadrats per plot. Samples were dried and weighed and proportions of over-seeded species to the total plot mixture were determined.

Results: As reported in the Field Report 1997. No results to report in 1998,

Cooperators: Phil Curry, Ducks Unlimited Canada Dr. Scott Wright, Melfort Research Station

3. Dense Nesting Cover

Purpose: To demonstrate the successfctl establishment of a forage stand intended for use as dense nesting cover (45 acres).

Method: Ducks Unlimited Canada's dense nesting cover, seeded in 1993, was managed in 1 998. A total of 610 acres of introduced grasses (intermediate wheatgrass, slender wheatgrass, tall wheatgrass, and meadow bromegrass) and alfalfa was grazed. A local producer divided the area into three paddocks using electric fence. Paddock A was 30 acres, while Paddocks €3 and C were approximately 15 acres each. The herd consisted of 20 cows, 10 calves, 3 yearlings and 1 bull. Paddock A was grazed from June 18 to July 27, Paddock 8 until August 25 and Paddock C until September 26. The watering source consisted of water pumped from the wetlands into troughs. Extra water was hauled later in the season.

Results: Paddock A had excellent regrowth of alfalfa and fair regrowth of grasses once the cattle were removed (Figure I ). Paddock & had fair to good regrowth of alfalfa and poor to fair regrowth of grasses (Figure 2). The regrowth on Paddock C was non-existent due to the late date of cattle removal from the paddock (Figure 3). However, there was adequate carry over of grass to allow some nesting cover in the spring of 1999. The timing of the Fate summer rains at the end of July, and the lower stock densities may have played key roles in the excellent regrowth of alfalfa in Paddock A.

- - ----=----mv~JJ- -- --- Y-

F~gure 1. Paddock A r-- 1 fJ I - I - 9 > * A +% - - - -

Figure 2. Paddock B A . - -+-A

_&&&-k-&- .,- m e 2

I 7

I 1 F~gure 3. Paddock C

I -. < , - I

I ' . ' i Photos taken in August, 1998.

Cooperators: Ducks Unlimited Canada

4. Forage Grass Variety Garden

Purpose: To showcase 35 grass varieties and species of interest to farmers in the Parkland area.

Results: Plots were seeded June 1, 1994 and fertilized in 1994 (50 Ib N) and 1996 (40 Ib N). + Reed Canary grasses: Rival, Palaton, Venture, Vantage 4 Russian Wildryes: Cabree, Mayak, Swift, Tetracan, Eejay, Pearl, Prairieland + Wheafgrasses: Elbee Northern, Walsh Western, Sodar Streambank, Orbit Tall,

Greenleaf Pubescent, Clarke Intermediate, Chief Intermediate, Summit Crested, Nordan Crested, Parkway Crested, Fairway Crested, Kirk Crested

+ Bromegrasses: Rebound Smooth, Baylor Smooth, Regar Meadow, Magna Smooth, Paddock Meadow, Carlton Smooth, Fleet Meadow, Signal Smooth

+ Lodorm Green Neediegrass 4 Short Lived Grasses: Arthur Dahurian Wildrye, James Dahurian Wildrye, Adanac

Slender Wheatgrass, Revenue Slender Wheatgrass

Varieties established quickly. Regrowth of the species was demonstrated by trimming parts of the plot at different stages. Weed encroachment and spread of aggressive varieties lead to the decision to take plots out of production. Roundup Transorb was applied in the fall of 1998. The garden will be reestablished in a different area in 1999.

Cooperators: Saskatchewan Forage Council Seed and seeding

5. Forage Legume Variety Garden

Purpose: Twenty-four perennial legume varieties and species of interest to farmers in the Parkland area were grown.

Seeded May 29,1995: + Alfalfa: Heinrichs, Rangelander, Beaver, Algonquin, Vernal, Anchor, OAC

Minto, Apica, Alouette, Dekalb 1 20, Barrier, Pioneer 526, Profit, Anik, AC Nordica, Oneida V 8

+ Red Clover: Altaswede, Florex + Alsike Clover: Aurora, Dawn 4 WhiteClover: Sonja 4 Sainfoin: Nova 4 Birdsfoot Trefoil: Leo, Cree

All were inoculated with appropriate rhizobium.

Results: Establishment was difficult and some species (birdsfoot trefoils, sainfoin, white clover, alsike clovers, red clovers and spots of several alfalfas) were reseeded on June 5,

1996. Weed encroachment and spread of aggressive varieties lead to the decision to take plots out of production. Roundup Transorb was applied in the fall of 1998. The garden will be reestablished in a different area in 1999.

Cooperators: Saskatchewan Forage Council Seed and seeding

6. Grass Seed Production in Short-term Crop Rotation

Background It is anticipated that changes to the Western Grains Transportation Act will favour an increase in the production of livestock (beef cattle) in Saskatchewan which could make an extra 560,000 acres of land available for forage and pasture production (SAF, 1998). Grass species that can be planted in short-term rotations with annual crops will be a viable option for producers wishing to diversify income through hay or seed production. Traditionally, it was thought that many perennial grass and legume species were difficult to establish and had to be left in production for many years. New seeding methods such as direct seeding of grasses and the use of short-lived species that establish quickly could provide producers with a cash crop that would fit into their existing annual crop rotations. The objective of this study was !o determine the feasibility of including several easy to establish grass species into existing annual crop rotations using zero-tillage methods.

Methods Six grasses were direct seeded into standing barley stubble on June 6, 1995 in individual plots measuring 60 x 90. The plots were divided into three replicates and barley was over-seeded as a cover crop on half of the plots in each replicate. The six species included: Meadow bromegrass (Paddock), crested wheatgrass (Kirk), slender wheatgrass (Revenue), dahurian wild tyegrass (Arthur), tall fescue (Courtney) and Italian ryegrass (Meris ledger).

Results and Discussion In 1995, agronomic data on plant emergence and establishment was gathered on July 26. Table 1 summarizes this information.

Table 1. Plant emergence and establishment per YI m2 with and without cover crop.

Plant counts were higher in plots not overseeded with the cover crop of barley. Reductions in seedling counts with the cover crop varied with species and ranged from as high as 77 percent ior meadow bromegrass to as low as 11 percent for slender wheatgrass.

No cover crop

Average

Cover crop

A verage

Reduction in emergence with cover crop (%)

Weed infestations of Canada thistle and dandelion were high in 1 996 and, combined with a dry spring, lowered dry matter production and seed head production. The entire area was cut and baled for hay in 1996. The Italian ryegrass winter-killed and was discontinued in the trial.

The first seed yields were taken from this test in 1997. The plot area was mowed between replicates and between species. The plot area was then swathed in 10-foot wide strips resulting in individual plots of approximately 10' x 155' or 0.03 acres. The individual species were combined and bagged separately using a Massey Ferguson 35 combine. Agronomic data including weed densities, plant density and height, forage dry matter yield and robel pole cover measurements were taken in late July.

Reps

1 2 3

I 2 3

The data is summarized in Tables 2 and 3.

Meadow brome 3.75 2.50 1.25

2.50

1.00 0.25 0.50

0.58

77%

Crested wheatgrass

10.75 8.00 12.25

10.33

4.25 3.50 5.25

4.33

58%

Slender wheatgrass

8.50 9.50 10.50

9.50

8.25 8.00 9.00

8.42

11%

Dahurian wild rye 6.00 6.50 10.50

7.67

4.00 2.00 3.75

3.25

58%

Tall fescue 4.25 7.25 1.75

4.42

4.25 4.25 2.50

3.67

17%

Italian ryegrass

3.50 7.25 6.00

5.58

2.50 6.25 3.75

4.17

25%

Table 2. 1 997 Agronomic Data - Grasses in Short Term Rotation

Note: Values for dandelion, Canada thistle and crop reflect plant density per % m2. Robel pole measurements are in decimeters on a scale of 0-1 0.

Forage Crop

Meadow Brome

Crested Wheat Grass

Slender Wheat Grass

Dahurian Wild Rye

Tall Fescue

Average

Table 3. 1997 Grass Seed Yields (Ibslac).

The meadow bromegrass, crested wheatgrass and slender wheatgrass seed and dry matter yields were reduced by 20 - 30 percent in the plots with no cover crop. Tall fescue appeared to be unaffected and the Dahurian wild rye yielded 30 percent more where a barley cover crop was not used. Agronomically the two stands have similar plant numbers at 8 plants per l/a m2, levels of Canada thistle, plant heights and robel pole readings. The dandelion infestations were slightly higher in the areas where a cover crop was not used.

No Cover Crop

In summary, it appears that the initial negative effect of the barley cover crop on the forage species has been overcome and the initial lower plant densities of 1996 has expressed itself as higher seed yields for some of the species.

Cover Crop

Grass Crop

Meadow Brome

Crested Wheat Grass

Slender Wheat Grass

Dahurian Wild Rye

TaH Fescue

A verage

Dande- lion

1.5

1.7

2.9

3.2

1.5

2.2

Cover Crop

Robel Pole

5.8

2.9

3.5

2.G

1.9

3.2

Dande- lion

0.5

1 7

2.1

1.8

0.7

1.4

Canada T h islle

0.2

0.2

0.0

0.2

0.3

0.2

No Cover Crop

Dry Matter

5029

2853

2960

2604

2247

31 39

Robel Pole

4.6

2.6

2.6

2.8

2 1

2.9

Crop

10.1

9.4

8.5

7.8

5.5

8.3

Dry Matter

3852

2425

221 1

3424

21 40

281 0

Seed

49

153

359

177

135

175

Canada Thistle

0.4

0.4

0.1

0.1

0.3

0.3

Height (cm)

121

83

86

121

87

100

Seed

32

127

276

21 8

135

158

Crop

f 1

9.9

I

7.2

5.1

8.7

Height (cm)

126

85

91

113

90

101

Seed yields were taken on July 24 and August 12, 1998 using methods similar to 1997. The exception was meadow bromegrass and tall fescue which were harvested with a mechanical seed stripper. Yields were lower for all species in 1997 (Table 4) due in most part to poor moisture conditions in the spring and preceding fall. In addition, there were no differences between species seeded with or without the cover crop.

table 4. 1998 Grass Seed Yields (Ibslac) I

Grass Crop I Seed Yield (Ibslac)" I

Meadow bromegrass 59

Crested wheatgrass 68

Slender wheatgrass I 142

Dahurian wild rvearass I 35

Tall fescue I 32

Average I 68 * Cover crop and no cover crop yields have been combined.

Tables 5 and 6 outline the economic value of seed production in these trials.

Table 5. 1997 Seed Yields and Prices Paid to Grower

Table 6. 1998 Seed Yields and Prices Paid to Grower.

1997 Gross Returnlac

$ 58.80

$ 175.95

$1,077.00

$ 132.75

$ 67.50

Crop

Meadow bromegrass

Crested wheatgrass

Slender wheatgrass

Dahurian wild ryegrass

Tall fescue

Crop

Meadow brornegrass

Crested wheatgrass

Slender wheatgrass

Dahurian wild ryegrass

Tall fescue

1997 Seed Yield

49

153

359

177

135

1 997198 Pricell b

$1.20

$1.15

$3.00

$0.75

$0.50

1998 Seed Yield

59

68

142

35

32

1998199 Pricellb

$1 -30

$0.70

$3.00

$0.60

$0.50

t 998 Gross Returdac

$ 76.70

$ 47.60

$ 426.00

$ 21.00

$ 16.00

The residue from the plots was removed after harvest and the plots were sprayed with Roundup Transorb at a rate of I litre per acre. The plot area will be direct seeded to peas in 1999.

References: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, 1998. Impact analysis: Effects of railway deregulation on Saskatchewan agriculture. Volume 1. Executive Summary. August 1998, Regina.

Cooperators: Ducks Unlimited Canada Newfield Seeds Company Ltd.

F. Tree Projects 1 . Woodlot

A three acre woodlot was developed in 1994 to demonstrate species with potential for cash value, wildlife habitat, aesthetic value, and yard shelter: buffaloberry, chokecherry, rose, sea-buckthorn, red elder, dogwood, hybrid poplar, white spruce, Siberian larch, Jack pine, Scots pine, green ash, paper birch, and Siberian larch. Weed control has been achieved through directed spraying of Roundup. Many Jack pine and Scots pine were planted in an area where the water table is high and have died.

Cooperators: PFRA Canadian Forest Service

2. Tree Establishment and Vegetation Control Tria!

Purpose: To evaluate different methods of controlling weeds within newly planted trees

Method: A randomized block design with five treatments and five replications was used to evaluate several methods of controlling weeds within newly planted trees. White spruce were planted and the five weed control methods are:

4 herbicides only, directed spraying with Roundup + roto-tilling to within three inches of the tree stems + perforated plastic blankets + jack pine wood shavings mulch, four inches deep + no weed control

Results and Discussion: Data (budbreak, soil temperature, tree growth) continues to be collected.

Cooperators: PFRA Canadian Forest Service

3. Shelterbelt Species Garden

Twenty-four of the shelterbelt species recommended for yard, field, wildlife shelterbelts, and forest belts in the parkland region were planted in 1994 and 1995: dogwood, rose, elder, lilac, sea-buckthorn, buffaloberry, saskatoon, pin cherry, choke cherry, red pine, white spruce, Siberian larch, Jack pine, Colorado spruce, Scots pine, paper birch, ash, maple, Russian olive, silverleaf willow, acute willow, aspen, Assiniboine poplar, and Walker poplar.

Results: Ptastic mulch was applied and is effectively controlling weed and grass growth. All species are well established and growing well with the exception of the poplars killed by spray drift in 1996.

Cooperators: PFRA

4. White Spruce Field Shelterbelt

A half mile of white spruce was planted in the spring of 1994 along the northern boundary of the northwest quarter to establish an evergreen shelterbelt. Survival was very good with growth slow, but constant. Some spruce in the low-lying areas have been drowned.

Cooperators: PFRA

5. Green Ash Field Shelterbelt

Green ash were p!anted in 1994 along the northern boundary of the southeast quarter (one-half mile) to establish a deciduous tree shelterbelt. Despite the June frost which blackened some leaves, sunrival of the trees has been excellent.

The wood shavings applied in September 1997, along with directed application of Roundup, effectively controlled most weeds. However, the difference in weed population and control noted in 1997 with regards to the west and east halves of the operation continues.

Cooperators: PFRA

6. Forest Belt

In the distant past, a field shelterbelt was planted between quarter sections of the farm. Parts of the shelterbelt are starting to die out and some of the surrounding land has become overgrown with grasses.

A forest belt was designed to incorporate existing bush and wetland, providing a wildlife corridor. It consists of three to five rows of a mixture of poplar, white spruce, Siberian larch, willow, and fruit-bearing shrubs. Species were selected for future harvest value, high wildlife habitat potential and to fit with the landscape provided.

Survival has varied depending on site preparation, location and tree species, but overall, the trees are healthy and weed control through application of Roundup and wood chips is acceptable.

Cooperators: PFRA

7. Fruit Shrubs

Purpose: To demonstrate a small area that is planted to fruit-producing shrubs.

Results: A half-acre area was planted to chokecherry, pin cherry, and saskatoon bushes in 1996 with plastic mulch applied to control weeds. Clover was direct seeded between the rows.

The shrubs have survived and grown significantly.

Sponsorship: PFRA

Monitoring of the Environment

1. Water Quality Monitoring Project

Purpose: To assess the effects of tillage practices on the quantity and quality (nutrient concentrations) of surface runoff water.

Context: This study continues research initiated under Canada's Green Plan to study the effects of different land management systems on soil-water-landscape relationships.

Results: Water levels and nutrient concentrations were monitored in two potholes in continuous cropping rotations. Heavy rainfall (1 42.2 mm) between June 23 and July 7, 1998 led to significant increases in water levels in the potholes. In one pothole, the gain in water was equivalent to 33 mmm of precipitation over the drainage area and added 1.3 kg Plha. This resulted in a total P concentration in the pothole of 1.0 mg/L of which 85% was in the bioavailable ortho-P form. Only a small increase in NO,-N was noted suggesting that the primary source was surface runoff. At the second pothole, a much greater gain in water (1 64 mm) and a large increase in NO,-N were measured

suggesting that both surface and subsurface flows had occurred. Previous research at this pothole has indicated that the quantity and quality of water in the pothole responds to changes in ground water levels. Phosphorus in this pothole only increased by 0.6 kgPlha bringing the concentration of total P to 0.4 mg/L (78% ortho-P).

Cooperators: Dr. Jane Eljiott, National Water Research Institute, Environment Canada

2. Wildlife Survey

Over the past years, the Conservation Learning Centre continues to survey wildlife species identified at the Centre. The survey provides awareness of the diversity of species present, as well as providing a checklist for wildlife enthusiasts. Species are added to the list each year.

Birds: Alder Flycatcher American Robin Black-billed Magpie Bobolink Canada Goose Common Crow Common Pintail Eastern Kingbird Gadwall Green-winged Teal House Sparrow Killdeer Lesser Scaup Marbled Godwit Northern Harrier Red-eyed Vireo Red-winged Blackbird Ruddy Duck Savannah Sparrow Sora Trumpeter Swan Warbler Species Yellow-headed Blackbird

American Coot American Wigeon Blac k-capped Chickadee Brewer's Blackbird Canvas-back Common Goldeneye Common Raven Eastern Phoebe Gray Partridge Hairy Woodpecker House Wren Least Flycatcher Lesser Yellow Legs Marsh Hawk Northern Shoveler Redhead Robin Sandhill Crane Snow Goose Tree Sparrow Turkey Vulture Widgeon Yellow Warbler

American Goldfinch Barn Swallow Blue-winged Teal Bufflehead Clay-coloured Sparrow Common Grackle Eastern Cowbird Mountain Bluebird Great Blue Heron Horned Grebe Hungarian Partridge Leconte's Sparrow Mallard Mourning Dove Raven Red-tailed Hawk Rose Breasted Grosbeak S harp-tailed Grouse Song Sparrow Tree Swallow Vesper Sparrow Willet

Amphibians and Animals Chorus Frogs Wood Frogs Pocket Gopher Fox Skunk Badger White-tailed Jack Rabbi1 White-tailed Deer Porcupine Bears

Coyote Raccoon Snowshoe Hare Muskrat

3. Rainfall Records

The following (Table 1 ) summarizes monthly precipitation records for 1998 at the CLC.

Table 1. Precipitation records at the CLC (May - October 1998)

Month rnm Inches Comments

May 4.2 0.16 Frost May 31 (-2.4" C) June 89.0 3.50 Frost June 3 (-1.7' G ) July 163.7 6.45 1 13.3 mm (4.42") rain July 5 August 32.4 1.28 19 mm (0.74") rain August 8 September 24.5 0.96 Frost September 20,26,29, 30 To October 20 25.9 1.02 10.4 mrn ppt (1 04 cm snow) October 12 TOTAL 339.7 13.37 Average annual precipitation: 350-400 rnm

Saskatchewan conservation Learning Centre Inc. PO Box 3003,800 Central Avenue

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan S6V 6G 1 Phone I fax: 306-953-2796

Email: lhayesa agr.gov.sk.ca

ACTION PRINTING, PRINCE ALBERT, SASK.

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