Soil Moisture Poor to Excess

Soil moisture conditions across western Canada range from poor to excess. In Manitoba, the Red River Valley still remains submerged under the swollen Red River although water levels have receded 2 ½ feet. The majority of agroManitoba has good to excessive moisture. In Saskatchewan, soil moisture conditions range from dry to excellent. Moisture from the snowstorm last week stayed south of Highway #1 so areas north of Swift Current, and north and west of Gravelbourg are dry. Soil moisture conditions are fairly dry in the Kindersley, Rosetown and Unity areas. There is an extremely dry pocket in eastern Alberta around the Coronation and Consort area where conditions are similar to those of the 2002 drought. Many areas of central Alberta and parts of the Peace River Region are relatively dry and will require spring rains shortly after seeding.

The latest crop report from Manitoba Agriculture, Food & Rural Initiatives is available at: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=101643&q=126529661&lm=18742387&r=148635&qz=090bcdd61e241e3cdd3ad63f4f47ac02

The latest crop report from Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food & Rural Revitalization is available at:

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=177806&q=126529661&lm=18742387&r=148635&qz=d9a6ad9b0564fe629858b1482abc8291

The first crop report for 2009 from Alberta Agriculture & Food will be available May 12.

Maps of current moisture conditions in western Canada from PFRA are available at:

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=177807&q=126529661&lm=18742387&r=148635&qz=647dec2a63ce26b2b568038c02ee1977

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=177808&q=126529661&lm=18742387&r=148635&qz=20ff29cc78283ea420f6f3d1ceefaaab

Additional moisture information for Alberta is available from Alberta Environment at:

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=177809&q=126529661&lm=18742387&r=148635&qz=14604b712b2c688ca2896a179cbb1ae8

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Soil Fertility Levels

Excess moisture this spring may cause sizeable fertilizer losses from denitrification or leaching in some areas of western Canada. If water ponding or widespread flooding has occurred, it is wise to conduct a soil test prior to seeding. Recognize that most of the nitrogen required by a canola crop is taken up before the 6-leaf stage. Nutrients need to be available when the crop demands and there is only limited time for correction/top dressing later.

There may be a tendency to reduce fertilizer amounts applied in drier areas. A soil test should be conducted to determine what baseline levels exist and which nutrients may be cut back. If potash and phosphorous rates are being reduced, consider placing those nutrients near the seed to get the most efficient use of limited fertilizer dollars. Seed-placed phosphorous can provide a pop-up effect, especially under cool soil conditions. Potash has a very high salt index rating and seed-placed K should be kept to a minimum.

Avoid seedling damage from fertilizer burn. Do not exceed safe rates for seed placement or ensure adequate separation between seed and fertilizer, especially when handling blends containing urea N. Be diligent and check equipment openers for wear. Seed and fertilizer separation is especially important under dry soil conditions. The following links can provide more information:

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=177811&q=126529661&lm=18742387&r=148635&qz=33e136b78519e178030ec2d63f352868 http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=177812&q=126529661&lm=18742387&r=148635&qz=9424933eba494434e2084c9a7bbf4aa1

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=177813&q=126529661&lm=18742387&r=148635&qz=bafed4c210fa025a373d56a9469eae30. 

For further background information on the importance of soil testing, and on recommendation philosophies, refer to the following links:

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=177814&q=126529661&lm=18742387&r=148635&qz=420f225b33757ee73759dec709f74e17

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=177815&q=126529661&lm=18742387&r=148635&qz=8a20c783c2fbce0edbcde3b1df636c8e

For further information on crop nutrition and tailoring soil test results into fertilizer recommendations, refer to the following link from MAFRI; http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=177816&q=126529661&lm=18742387&r=148635&qz=7679be73ad43f467ed2b3c8cd7f9281f

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Seeding Not Yet General

Across western Canada producers began field operations (soil testing, harrowing, fertilizing, etc.) late last week and over the weekend. A limited number of acres have been seeded to date. Early seeding of cereals, peas, lentils and canola have been reported across the Prairies. Cool soil temperatures have been common with daytime soil temperatures in the neighborhood of 5 to 7 ^oC in the warmest part of the day but dropping down to a range of 0 to 2 ^oC at night.

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Seeding Tips

Although soil moisture conditions are dry in many areas, seed shallow to promote rapid and uniform crop emergence. Soil temperatures should average 5 ^oC over the coolest and warmest parts of the day. Cool soil temperatures will slow emergence, putting seedlings at more risk from seedling diseases and insect attack. As well, protection from most seed treatments starts when the seeds are first put into the soil, not when the plant emerges. Therefore, the longer the seeds are in the ground, the shorter the duration of insecticide protection following emergence. Make sure seeding rates are high enough to achieve a target plant population of 10 plants/ft².

If seeding early into cold soils, consider the following strategies:

• Chasing moisture at this point of the season is not the way to go in cold soils. If seeding operations must continue it is best to seed shallow and wait for spring rains.
• Target a consistent seeding depth of ½" to 1". It may be necessary to slow down to achieve this consistency.
• Maintain a reasonable seeding rate or potentially bump seeding rates up by 10% since early seasons’ stresses can reduce emergence.
• Because of changing soil conditions and the potential for mechanical issues with drills, check the seeding depth periodically, particularly when moving field to field.

For more seeding tips go to the Seed SMART information http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=177817&q=126529661&lm=18742387&r=148635&qz=1f42fe094be8e0fa0da9b9a4365c33e3 from the Canola Council of Canada.

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Know Your Seed Size

Canola seed size can be quite variable. A sample of thousand seed weights (TSW) this spring is ranging from 2.8 to 6.0 grams per 1000 seeds. Essentially the number of seeds (and ultimately plants) in one pound of seed can vary significantly. Take note of the seed size (TSW should be marked on seed tags or seed bags) and adjust seeding rates accordingly. A seeding rate calculator can help with the planning: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=177818&q=126529661&lm=18742387&r=148635&qz=8e837872d306f8eea72e3d71c0888904

Keep a seed sample and the blue seed tag from each variety and seed lot sown, and store in a paper or cloth bag in a cool, dry place.

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Grow an Export Ready Variety

Ensure your variety is Canola Export Ready. It is very important that no de-registered varieties be planted because they can jeopardize export markets. For more information on which varieties and pesticides are NOT approved for use in Canada visit the Canola Council of Canada’s Export Ready site: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=177819&q=126529661&lm=18742387&r=148635&qz=ccd06287a32b62654cffca0fed4e3b3f

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Pre-Seed Burnoff Gives Canola the Edge

Weeds that emerge before or with a canola crop will cause greater yield losses than weeds that emerge after the crop is established (approximately the 4- to 6-leaf stage). The purpose of both a pre-seed burnoff or post-seed, pre-emergent herbicide application is the same: to protect a young canola crop from the yield losses that result from early season weed competition for moisture and nutrients. For example, data from Canola Production Centre trials showed average yield increases of about 15% when comparing a pre-seed burnoff treatment to a no-burnoff treatment in direct seeding situations.

Consider the use of a pre-seed burnoff if weed populations warrant application. Cool growing conditions have limited the amount of weed growth in fields this spring. These cool conditions can also affect herbicide performance. If going with a pre-seed burn-off application, remember that glyphosate is a systemic herbicide that needs time to work for maximum control. Formulation and target weeds must be considered when deciding on the time required between application and disturbance from tillage or seeding. Additionally, with temperatures getting close to or dipping slightly below zero at night in some areas, it is recommended to only spray glyphosate after temperatures have warmed the following day. A hard frost will require a longer recovery time as plants must be assessed for new growth before applying the herbicide. Weeds must be actively growing to ensure herbicide uptake and maximum kill. Always read and follow product labels before application.

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When Pre-Seed Burnoff is Not an Option

Continued cool conditions may result in fields being seeded without a pre-seed burnoff application. In these fields, weed control may be achieved post-seeding but prior to emergence. Post-seeding herbicide applications of glyphosate can be effective when well managed. Weeds should be assessed post-seeding for mechanical damage and dust cover. With this approach, be aware of the risk of injury to an emerging canola crop. With some herbicide tolerant systems, the application must occur before the crop emerges – the window is limited so scout diligently and watch the weather.

More tips on pre-seed burnoff are available at: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=177820&q=126529661&lm=18742387&r=148635&qz=8c7bff5a5b80623dc00345a73dab2012

More information on pre-seeding weed control is available from Reduced Tillage Linkages: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=177821&q=126529661&lm=18742387&r=148635&qz=d395de21ce16496d35ab0f58ffe7c938

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Clean for Clubroot

A soil test in west-central Saskatchewan has shown the potential presence of the clubroot pathogen’s DNA. Further testing is being conducted to confirm the results and determine whether the pathogen is viable. This incidence emphasizes the importance of equipment cleaning, especially when moving from affected or suspected areas to clubroot-free areas. Check the following news release from SaskCanola for more information: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=177822&q=126529661&lm=18742387&r=148635&qz=ebc8e19e971afcba1eecf45e57411627

For more information on cleaning equipment and other precautions go to http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=115755&q=126529661&lm=18742387&r=148635&qz=2f9664ecb2d77da7d06a31553665e765

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Questions & Contacts

Direct questions regarding this report to John Mayko, Senior Agronomy Specialist with the Canola Council of Canada at maykoj@canolacouncil.org, 780-764-2593.

Direct specific questions regarding regional issues to one of the following Canola Council of Canada regional agronomists or provincial oilseed specialists:

Derwyn Hammond, Senior Agronomy Specialist Manitoba, hammondd@canolacouncil.org, 204-729-9011
Anastasia Kubinec, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, anastasia.kubinec@gov.mb.ca, 204-745-5645

Jim Bessel, Senior Agronomy Specialist, Central Saskatchewan,

besselj@canolacouncil.org, 306-373-6771

Tiffany Gutzke, Agronomy Specialist, Eastern Saskatchewan, gutzket@canolacouncil.org, 306-231-3663
Venkata Vakulabharanam, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Venkata.Vakulabharanam@gov.sk.ca, (306) 787-4668
Doug Moisey, Senior Agronomy Specialist, East Central Alberta and Northwestern Saskatchewan, moiseyd@canolacouncil.org, 780-645-9205
Matthew Stanford, Agronomy Specialist, Southern Alberta and Southwestern Saskatchewan, stanfordm@canolacouncil.org, 403-345-4852
Erin Brock, Agronomy Specialist, Peace Region, brocke@canolacouncil.org,
780-568-3326
Murray Hartman, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, murray.hartman@gov.ab.ca, 403-782-8024
Kerry Clark, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Kerry.Clark@gov.bc.ca,
250-784-2559

The Canola Watch Report provides just-in-time information on canola production to growers and industry. Contributors to the Canola Agronomy Network are:

Alberta Canola Producers Commission; Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, SaskCanola, Saskatchewan Canola Growers Association, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Manitoba Canola Growers Association, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, Peace River Agriculture Development Fund, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture & Lands, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the Canola Council of Canada.

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