The big question is: Can perennial forages be used as a tool to manage salt-affected soils in Western Canada? The Salinity Project exists to find out.
Now in its fourth season at Discovery Farm Langham, this five-year project spans across two acres and is evaluating the measurable changes in soil properties which will allow for observation of how the varying management practices influence the surface soil layer. Treatments being evaluated in this study include Halo 2 Alfalfa, AC Saltlander green wheatgrass, and a blend of perennial species sold as Salinemaster.
In the first three seasons, this project has shown strong establishment of perennial forages on salt-affected soils – even demonstrating great productivity and profitability under harsh drought conditions. Plus, the forage treatments competed against challenging weeds that were initially present at the site such as kochia and foxtail barley.
In 2023, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer will be applied to this project to maintain the long-term productivity of the forage stand. Biomass yield and impacts on surface soil characteristics will also continue to be explored in 2023.
This project is a collaborative effort with the following partners: Ducks Unlimited Canada, Nutrien Ag Solutions and Proven Seed.
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Access the Discovery Farm Langham Field Reports
The Field Reports are an annual overview of all activities that happened at Discovery Farm Langham during the growing season including demonstration research, events and knowledge transfer.