John Dyck

Recent Publications

2006

Manure and fertilizer effects on turnips for grazing in northern Peace region

Tags:

Turnip

Turnip (Brassica rapa L.) is a root crop that has been used for livestock feed for over 600 years. There are several types of turnip on the market, which are classified in leafy-type and bulb-type categories. As for cattle use, it depends on the adaptability of the variety to a particular region and the time that the forage is grazed. Both leafy and bulb types have been grazed in the Peace region.

Turnips produce high-quality forage. With adequate rainfall for re-growth in northern Peace region they can be grazed 1-3 times in a season. In previous trials around Fort Vermilion, they have proven to be drought and cold tolerant, though establishment and re-growth is challenging. Late planting can provide extended grazing periods well into winter as cattle can pull turnips from the frozen ground.

Manure and fertilizer effects on turnips for grazing in northern Peace region

2006

Research Articles

Rates of seeding and fertilizer effects on Canola and Barley

Tags:

Barley,Canola

Seeding and nitrogen rates can influence crop establishment, seed yield and seed protein level. Optimizing these factors had also demonstrated enhanced crop competitiveness to weeds.

For barley, a plant population of 22 plants/ft² is generally considered the optimum for weed management and yield. The change in grain protein content of barley seeds influences malt quality. The optimum level of protein for malting barley is between 9.5 and 11.5 per cent.

For canola, plant population in a range of 7 to 17 plants/ft² normally had very little effect on the final yield. Also, over this wide range the crop competes very well with weeds. However, differences in days to maturity may be negatively affected and the effect on maturity may be more pronounced in the weather conditions of northern Peace region.

Rates of seeding and fertilizer effects on Canola and Barley

2006

Research Articles

Seed quality, seeding depth, and fertilizer placement effects on crop

Deterioration and aging cause the loss of seed quality. Careful handling of seed is especially important for large seeds. For example, mechanical damage can occur readily on low-moisture peas and cause faster spoilage. Frost damage caused by freezing temperatures during final developmental stages will lower seed quality. Heating damage, which may be linked with fungal activity, can be very detrimental as well. Other factors that will affect seed quality include insects, fungi and other pathogens. Good crop management starts with getting as much information on the quality of your seed.