ADOPT 20220495: Comparison of Complex vs Simple in Low-Input Poly-cropping Systems
The main outcome of this project is to text simple and complex polycrop mixes in Southern Saskatchewan to determine if increasing diversity of seeded blends results in improved yield or soil nutrient composition. There are three objectives that will be considered when addressing the outcome: 1) assessment of establishment of species of complex (15 species) mixes under unfertilized conditions, 2) variation in soil nutrients following growth of polycrops and monocrops with no additional fertilizer over growing season and the season following, and 3) variation in feed value composition of the various mixes. This project will demonstrate the use of annual crops in diverse and simple mixes in comparison to a monoculture to contrast economic and environmental value of diverse mixes versus monocultures. The interim report can be viewed here.
ADOPT 20230518: On-Farm Nitrate Testing
Nitrates in forages are a major concern for livestock producers, particularly during periods of prolonged drought or in the late fall when light frosts begin to occur. These stressor events result in an accumulation of nitrates within the plant which are toxic to ruminant livestock such as cattle and sheep. Nitrate testing is an important step to making sure livestock can consume forages safely. Nitrate testing is widely available at most commercial labs however getting results back in a timely manner can be a concern. This project demonstrates the efficiency of two technologies available for on-farm testing of forages to measure nitrates concentration – using a nitrate meter which gives immediate results compared to lab testing which can take 4+ days for results depending on the lab and distance to mail.
ADOPT 20230532: Seeding Forages with a Drone
UAV’s are rapidly evolving in the field of agriculture helping producers every day to optimize production on their land. This is a fast-growing practise as technology is quickly advancing and drone capability is on the rise. The use of drones to seed forages is still developing. Advantages include ease of access, no reliance on field conditions for large equipment and no tramping of existing crops. Limits of large area seeding include the battery capacity of the UAV and the load capability. This project will demonstrate the ability of a drone-seeded grass/legume seed mix to establish. Specific objectives include: determine if upland and lowland marginal areas seeded via drone will germinate and establish, determine if spring or fall seeding will affect germination and establishment, and document the overall ease of operation, timing, and load capacity of seeding with the drone.
The Saskatchewan Forage Council is partnering with the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, the University of Saskatchewan and the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence to provide signage at research project sites with QR codes linking to project information. The first project to participate is Establishment of Perennial Forage Crops in Saline Soil. The project page can be accessed by scanning the QR code or by clicking this link to open the page.
Updated February 2025
Thank you to current & past partners and sponsors on Saskatchewan Forage Council projects:
Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and Agriculture Development Fund; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Growing Forward 2; Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Industry Development Fund; Commission for Environmental Co-operation; Ducks Unlimited Canada, Greencover Canada Program; Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute, Canada-Saskatchewan Irrigation Diversification Centre, Thompson Rivers University, Northeast Agricultural Research Foundation, Western Beef Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Saskatchewan and Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Programs; and many co-operating producers and research farms. Visit the completed projects page to learn about partners on specific projects.
