“This will help farmers better understand field variability. Armed with that awareness, it could open up a comfort level in going down the path of variable rate.” – Troy McInnis, Moose Jaw Co-op.

The benefits of multiple soil tests

Selecting test sites for the least common denominator could waste opportunities

Most farms don’t do even one yearly soil nutrient test per field, but maybe they should be doing three. Three tests would enhance farmer understanding of in-field variability in a way that one test cannot. Why it matters: Soil tests that demonstrate the variability of field conditions might prompt producers to adopt a three-test approach.



Photo: Alberta Agriculture

Eight things to look for in your soil test report

When you understand your soil reports, you’re in a better position to develop fertilizer plans with your agronomist. All soil testing labs report the same basic information, but each lab has its own unique format. No matter what your report looks like, first, check the information at the top: your name, address, field name, etc.

clubroot on a canola plant

Clubroot resistance collapses for canola in Alberta

Be proactive about prevention

The discovery that clubroot races uncontrolled by resistant canola varieties are widespread in Alberta underscores how important it is for Manitoba to nip this potentially devastating disease in the bud. “Genetically resistant varieties are not going to work long term,” said Anastasia Kubinec, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development’s oilseed specialist in reaction to the


This 2009 photo of alfalfa plots highlights the long-term consequences of neglecting soil phosphorus. The alfalfa in the front of the photo received composted beef cattle manure after years of receiving no phosphorus. The alfalfa at the back of the plot did not receive any additional phosphorus and has suffered dramatically. (Martin Entz photo)

Minogue: Rebalance your fields’ phosphorus bank accounts

While your crop rotations and your seeding practices have evolved into something your grandfather might not recognize, recommended phosphorous guidelines for Manitoba farmers haven’t changed in more than 20 years. Over the past year, Manitoba soil fertility experts came together to fill this gap. John Heard (Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development), Cindy Grant (Agriculture