Revising the crop nutrient uptake and removal guidelines for Western Canada
Term: 2 years, starting in 2020
Status: Ongoing
Funding Amount: $29,345
Lead Researcher(s): Dr. Fran Walley (University of Saskatchewan)
Funding Partners: Alberta Wheat Commission, Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission, Prairie Oat Growers Association, Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission, Western Grains Research Foundation
Project Description
The main aim of this project is to develop new estimates for crop nutrient uptake and removal by crops to address two concerns: 1) that the current information regarding crop nutrient uptake and removal does not reflect current crop yields, and 2) that the grain and straw nutrient concentration estimates are not adequately reflective of current varieties and there is no consistent data regarding micronutrient uptake and removal.
The main objective is to collect data on nutrient concentrations for current crop varieties both by analyzing recently collected samples and by compiling existing data from the literature. Additionally, better estimates of typical grain yields will be obtained using published yield data by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture. The data collected will be used to generate a user-friendly nutrient calculator app, that will be hosted for a minimum of five years at the University of Saskatchewan.
These updates will greatly enhance the ability of a farmer to make informed decisions about crop nutrient requirements and fertilizer management. Better information will reduce the risk of over-applying unnecessary nutrients, or alternatively, losing yield due to under-fertilizing, which have economic implications.