As seed orders are being finalized, it’s a good time to reassess whether insecticide seed treatments are truly needed. A comprehensive 4-year study led by Dr. Jocelyn Smith at the University of Guelph – Ridgetown Campus evaluated 129 corn and 31 soybean field trials across Ontario. The study compared fungicide-only seed treatments (FST) with neonicotinoid + fungicide (NST) and diamide + fungicide (DST) treatments.| Field Crop News
Co-Authored with Shane McClure and Middlesex Soil and Crop Improvement Association Purpose: Adequate soil phosphorus (P) and potash (K) levels are essential to produce high yielding crops. With high fertilizer prices it is important to use the fertilizer as efficiently as possible. Using starter fertilizer can be an effective way to apply fertilizer but what [...]Read More...| Field Crop News
Production Requirements Soil Types: Switchgrass is suited to most soil types. Yields are lower on extremely heavy or light soils Soil pH: 6.0–6.8 Recommended Rotational Crops: Switchgrass is a long-term perennial crop and rotation crops do not apply. Cereal crops may serve as nurse crops during establishment Minimum Soil Temperature: 10°C Optimum Air Temperature: 24°C–29°C [...]Read More...| Field Crop News
Production Requirements Soil Types: Sunflowers are suited to most soil types. Yields are lower on poorly drained or very light soils Soil pH: 6.0–7.5 Recommended Rotational Crops: Corn, cereal crops Should Not Rotate With: Soybeans, dry edible beans, canola, camelina and buckwheat Minimum Soil Temperature: 6°C Optimum Air Temperature: 25°C–28°C Earliest Planting Date: Early May [...]Read More...| Field Crop News
Production Requirements Soil Types: Sandy and loam soils. Soils prone to crusting may drastically reduce germination Soil pH: 4.8–8.5 Recommended Rotational Crops: Corn, cereal crops Minimum Soil Temperature: 5°C–10°C Optimum Air Temperature: Prefers a temperate to semi-arid climate. Temperatures above 35°C may cause plant dormancy or pollen sterility Earliest Planting Date: Plant early, similar to [...]Read More...| Field Crop News
Production Requirements Soil Types: Miscanthus is suited to most soil types. Yields are lower on extremely heavy or light soils Soil pH: 5.4–6.8 Recommended Rotational Crops: Miscanthus is a long-term perennial and crop rotations do not apply. Wheat or other cereals may act as a nurse crop during establishment Minimum Soil Temperature: 4°C for planting [...]Read More...| Field Crop News