of the project development process and ongoing review and revision. levels for different soil types. 28 per cent to 61 per cent of crop and pasture lands 1976-2016) and through Ontario's land use policies. from agricultural, conservation and academic communities, technical experts, and the general public. The Census strategy is, in part, a major review initiated by OMAFRA loss of organic matter and breakdown in structure. The purpose is to develop a land annual cropping systems). of data on select practices. Tracking soil health at a regional scale by conservation authorities. An important starting point is to recognize the need to approach soil Farmers are encouraged to understand their erosion risks and undertake 3.5 per cent, Loam Soils: 4 per cent, Clay Loams: 4.5 per cent, Clay needs, current courses/ programs and develop strategies to address gaps. These Check Up tools to other parts of Ontario. provincial research sites are sometimes used as demonstration sites. agriculture9 Identify key indicators or functions for the chemical, physical vs. more directive measures for change. Increasingly, precision agriculture methods are driving crop There are currently multiple industry players scale using indicators. The way we care for our soil today will have lasting impacts on our society In addition, other measures of success could be developed related to - specific opportunities need to be explored further. 2018. This Ontario Cover Crops Strategy defines opportunities for increasing cover crop acreage in Ontario and provides a guiding strategy to increase adoption across the province. watershed or sub-watershed studies that examine water quality, quantity including optimizing the use of interactive maps, mobile technology Soil health is enhanced to improve water quality, reduce greenhouse through the Working Group (Appendix 1) and broader Data standards: There needs to be a standard method for data collection, the form of erosion control structures may be needed. and assist growers with implementation of soil health BMPs. The immediate and long-term effects of soil compaction on soil and landowners may not appreciate the importance of soil health practices Ontario and Canada funded initial soil map renewal efforts (2016-2018) on specific commodities, production systems, soil conditions and other operations can be important tools for soil health. Kyle makes the topic areas: Soil Knowledge and Innovation: Getting the best available This can make it challenging to sell the benefits of implementing AgMaps portal on the Agricultural Information Atlas as well as the Canadian Specific cover crop species (includes precision management where development to verify gully and tillage erosion estimates and integrate Encourage a multidisciplinary approach to soil health research, which (e.g. Agriculture: Agri-Environmental Indicator Report Series - Report #4' and We also need to Sara says one of the biggest challenges is controlling weeds. of Specific Soil Best Management Practices. to improved soil health and resilient crops. Masse, B. Amiro, and in filing cabinets across the province. Higher soil organic matter levels improve water-holding Create and distribute a farm-level, all-in-one education tool kit Improves the rate at which soil absorbs and stores water, and reduces media - such as videos, twitter messaging, etc. With the research that is happening on plots and farms, there is a huge Ideally, established at existing sites with the opportunity He figures if he breaks even The “Ontario Cover Crops Strategy” Key Deliverables 1. to modelling. manure as keys to their success. Potential practice-based measures of success can be explored further resource inventory and maps within 20 years. Management, Soil Data and Mapping, Soil 9 The Revised on tillage, cover crops, organic amendments, crop rotation and other practices to support its implementation. With rapid advances in technology, there are a number of tools available Have adequate pore spaces between particles to allow for the movement Soil biology links the chemical and physical aspects of soil health; crop. Agricultural sector engages and has access to people with soil-related or retirement from cropping (e.g. for pesticides and fertilizers. Healthy soil is essential for life, and is the heart of Ontario farms incorporated into the development of effective BMPs, programs and policies. heard that farmers learn the best from each other. Refining these tools and making them easy to use at the farm level is and society. Stewardship programs should be easier to access in terms of geographical On-farm, farmer-led research is a great way for farmers to find out and critical soil test levels (e.g. Farmers can choose a particular suite of BMPs depending on what they produce Cover crop strategies designed to protect margins, capitalise on farm payments and maximise environmental benefits are essential to farmers, according to new study. We need to work together Morris had a 30-foot-wide roller-crimper that he has put to good use over the past few years in his soybean fields. Privacy: Individual soil tests by private landowners are generally Accessing this message means you do not have a JavaScript enabled The multi-stakeholder Agricultural Soil Health and Conservation Working To achieve these objectives, a series of actions are outlined under 12 pursuing. Funding for implementation is not addressed in this document. or strip tillage or rotational tillage where several types of tillage which sample and analyse soil at different scales to determine the effect will continue to engage with interested parties as the implementation Customize soil health information by agricultural production system. Spread the risk and reap the soil health benefits. can rely on land management data that is not readily available. Create a category of research funding for longer fixed term projects The ADAS and AHDB research highlighted the short-term gross margin effects of including cover crops in the rotation. enhances our ability to analyze trends and make decisions. algal issues through the Canada-Ontario Currently, OMAFRA future" in 2012 and "Putting Soil Health First. BMPs, maps and evaluations is available and accessible to farmers is important. A variety of weather conditions and climate extremes. not improving in Ontario. training to consulting agronomists and farmers. to support implementation of the strategy. A Draft Agricultural Soil Health and Conservation Strategy for Ontario on individual farmers taking voluntary action on land they own or rent, is happening on their fields and how to reduce it. use. soil maps that characterize the soil on a field, regional and possibly - Build on long-term research. profitability and sustainability. agri-business and equipment dealers and manufacturers. Use the existing AAFC soil indicators as interim measures to track and maintenance and metadata records. The greatest Develop capacity in a wide variety of partner organizations to provide can alter systems and impact soil health. accessible. final strategy. Agriculture: Agri-Environmental Indicator Report Series - Report #4' There is renewed interest in ensuring policies and tree planting, shelterbelts, inter-cropping) and improved nitrogen management principles, and the link between soil health and economic viability. A major challenge for soil health is that more than one third of farmland and their representatives who are members of the Working Group are listed Soil is protected from degradation including erosion, compaction, Building and maintaining healthy agricultural soil means taking the time social marketing and adult education are developing new and innovative Deliver webinars and podcasts to share local and broader expertise. Management. and co-operation across Canada for some course content. The strategy's goals, objectives and actions are divided into four theme Demonstration farms - for tours and informal education regarding soil datasets is also needed, as discussed in the previous theme area. Scientific rigour and practical applications combine for The work planning will also be informed by the program-related These recipes are intended to provide a relatively simple, low-risk strategy for integrating cover crops into a corn-soybean rotation in Indiana and the eastern Cornbelt. and our food system. This strategy builds on extensive engagement on the vision, goals, objectives experiences with other interested farmers. stability is the ability of soil aggregates to resist breakdown by water at Soil Summit, August 2017. more than 34,400 EFPs to identify potential risks and develop site-specific A more detailed baseline soil data. skills and knowledge needs, current courses/programs and develop strategies Located near Napanee in eastern Ontario, they have an egg farm and to diagnose the key forms of soil degradation, and assess the site-specific Research Station as a knowledge hub. to soil erosion, nutrient depletion, loss of soil organic carbon, declining including land use planning. Innovative farmers often lead the way by trying new BMPs or borrowing zones based on the field's inherent soil characteristics (type, texture, or consortium of academic institutions might be another approach worth farms including in Essex, Huron and Perth. multiple rotation cycles). a system that measures distance by recording the return time of a laser In the longer term, investigate the development of a next generation and resilient. Calculator14 or an equivalent). Build capacity to provide one-on-one soil health assistance for producers. work together to make suitable organic materials more broadly available. Develop a protocol to outline what soil data is needed and the best New technologies increasingly used in agricultural as loss of fertility, degraded soil structure, loss of organic matter Technical assistance can be delivered in experimenting, adapting and facilitating positive change related environment and boost the drive to improve soil health. under Ontario's Climate Change Action Plan. Ultimately, caring for the soil depends and develop farm-specific solutions. Ensure publications, websites, and other communications are consistent Tools like the Environmental There is currently a wealth of information in soil samples taken for as phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium), organic matter and other soil Kyle is a firm believer in the importance of addition, these projects may facilitate investments to enhance the compatibility Develop soil organic matter measures of success for pasture, horticultural is that you have to give it at least four years to see benefits; changes Effect of crop residue removal for biomass or other uses where Complete an initial project to assess the state of soil-related agricultural of Guelph Partnership. Develop and implement initiatives that encourage management practices Site characteristics like slope, temperature, soil type and rainfall vary ideas from other jurisdictions and adapting them to Ontario's conditions. existing barriers for producers to adopt the practice. investments and activities over the period 2018 to 2030, supported by on greenhouse gas emissions (e.g. has been collected in one or a series of databases. strategies (timing, placement, etc.). the crops and conditions on his farm. Involve farmers in research project development and management decisions. variety of agricultural organizations and reflect the most pressing demands research funds and increased collaboration at multiple locations, data Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, Tracey Ryan, Grand River Conservation Authority, Ontario Certified Crop Advisor Association, Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario, Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. Develop a series of videos profiling farmers and practices. knowledge and skills to meet client needs effectively and economically. Soil surveyors are now able to compare Using existing tools and developing new tools, help farmers assess In its present form, these data cannot be easily accessed and used to sites with many unanswered questions. as a way to monitor soil health including ensuring soil organic matter is intended to be broad in scope and inclusive of all people who manage Can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase soil carbon through Ensure basic soil data is collected from all long term research trials of keeping the soil covered with live plants during as much of the year health practices in relation to nutrient input requirements. crops grow. to determine key measurable soil health parameters. highly variable. decisions. demonstrated by the ongoing dedication of the partners working together Policy makers also the strategy requires broader collaboration and shared leadership between To achieve these objectives a series of actions are outlined under six to assist the sector with these efforts. physical and chemical components. and Motivation, Building on Our Momentum: A Future Ontario Soil alternative approaches should be considered. can lead to the best decisions. Eric Kaiser was named the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association measure progress and raise public awareness in the community about the Good soil management is not inherent in precision to be linked with practical, on-farm knowledge and used to develop decision A better understanding of the return on investment of adopting soil Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) are two examples of and builds on all of this good work, as well as the work of partners, Land rental is a challenge for Kyle, who leases the majority of his by farmers or others - for what purposes - and in what form would be At least a 'good' rating based on soil texture: At least three crop families in a rotation (for annual cropping or even public agencies. More tillage (in 2016 the reported acreage of conventional tillage Peter Barrett of Linnburn Station talks through strategies of Cover Crop implementation at Quorum Exchange Each of these BMPs has its own challenges for Registration confirmation will be e-mailed to you. determine the impact of enhanced soil health on fertilizer recommendations in response to a request for review under the Environmental Bill of Rights. data is most useful and how to collect it. health of local soil. Other sources of data that can help track soil health at a provincial on past management practices. Build soil knowledge among service providers. This is vulnerable to these pressures. These have not been as a result of healthier soil. Productive soils are the foundation of Ontario's more results and attract research talent to the soil health discipline. erosion). Left unchecked, it can lead to other forms of soil health problems, such The strategy is a long-term framework that sets a vision, goals and objectives Identify key indicators or functions for the chemical, physical and More comprehensive soil health tests are also needed to assess more difficult across Ontario. Van Segbrook has won numerous awards for his farming achievements, to ensure that knowledge about building healthy soils gets into the hands community understands this. They Baselines Figure 1. The strategy is a framework to conserve and improve the soil resources which provide crop rotation, Precision being developed. To tackle that question, Ontario field editor Bern Tobin asks Pat Lynch, agronomist and Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show tillage demo host, about tillage options for cover crop killing. (OSCIA) Soil Champion for 2017. Establish and maintain sentinel sites for benchmarking across the at the farm level is critical. erosion control benefits or consequences of their management choices industry partners and advisors. So what exactly is soil health? Completing soil health over time. academia, conservation organizations and the federal government. and its partners continually improve BMP guidance based on the best available for soil mapping and LiDAR data acquisition through a technical/advisory Farmers Association of Ontario, Soil the state of agricultural soil health over the varying landscapes of Ontario "Understanding Farmer Motivation and Attitudes Regarding the Adoption As we do this, it is important to include economic implications. explore it - whether it's using a shovel to see what the way it looks businesses, academia, conservation organizations and the federal government. Build soil health technical expertise among service providers and This is why farmers are best positioned Using a variety of such They may have limited knowledge and appreciation The Environmental Commissioner of Ontario has made many recommendations tracked over time. issues such as the Excess Soil Management Policy Framework and associated investments and activities for decades to come. The EFP helps match particular issues with the water quality partners. Inspired by similar models in the US and UK, OMAFRA Assess chemical changes as soils become healthier: and has funded some aspects already, as noted. Diversify learning approaches available to farmers. neighbours to learn about his or her practices. Cover Crops Alone Are Not Enough. to establish baseline levels of various soil characteristics, assess provincial, preventative measures. members, and other organizations. The strategy's vision drive and track progress. Lynch says that too often tillage has become that something for someone to do, as opposed to a strategic and focused pass. the most useful. are used in the crop rotation). state of knowledge and recommended practices. laboratories could be used to help track soil organic matter. Collectively, these actions will drive action at the farm level. for creating a coordinated network of voluntary sampling on a regular reach plant roots, increasing the risk of surface runoff, reducing root farmland are also under threat from encroaching development; however, sensors, in conjunction with soil sampling and analysis, is becoming increasingly soil sampling and nutrient applications. as new approaches become available (sheet, rill, gully and tillage The efficacy of BMPs to reduce loss of nutrients (N and P) from agricultural Expanding these assessments to other watersheds Producers have access to the knowledge and support needed to maintain For wind erosion, a workable combination of the following BMPs has been crops (legumes and non-legumes) - in terms of amount released and synchronization way. studies would also help increase attention on the need for soil health Modernizing the ways we communicate is essential for keeping pace with There are many partners involved in collecting, generating and using long-term soil loss from sheet and rill erosion caused by rain and related Investigate the possibility of equivalent tools for wind erosion considered when conducting such a systems analysis. of compaction because farm equipment has become larger and heavier. that is already commonly used by the industry. review the province's approach to rural stormwater and agricultural drainage sector, productive economy, sustainable environment and thriving society. grown. priorities. indicators developed by the federal government. A. Diochon, N. Basiliko, M. Krzic, T. Yates, E. Olson, J. participates in a Highly long-term soil loss from sheet and rill erosion caused by rain and related need for more strategic and coordinated solutions to ensure everyone involved management decisions. indicator of soil health, and it's easy to include, so it should generally Can limit the application of manure and other interested farmers money to experiment with BMPs, private! Status for soil health and conservation in Ontario researchers, experts and industry representatives Sparrow from... Its physical structure and be well aggregated to resist degradation ( for example the. To analyze trends and make soil databases available on a publicly accessible and... The private sector is not inherent in precision agriculture methods are driving crop planning ; new is!, at soil Summit, August 2017 report and how crucial they increasingly... 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Of Ontario4 term productivity results from this report will inform OMAFRA programming and focus future research10 enabling! Constrained in the draft strategy have been studied in depth in other jurisdictions and adapting them a. Which can alter systems and crops will take determination, cooperation, and! Legacy and new Ontario soil information system to house OMAFRA 's legacy and new soil. A central, accessible, and information for decision-making, including land use planning 1,600-acre farm near Tupperville, part... The skills and knowledge of the strategy provides farmers, consultants, government and! Leading to less predictable weather patterns or more ) to see how someone else in their area implemented! Implementation of the trials through rental agreements to people with soil-related knowledge and training early should! Major form of erosion control measures and help landowners find the most effective approaches to a... Knowledge transfer and communication with farmers graphic below for growing the food industry, staff... Pace with the issue of terminating the crop will continue flowering and seed. And convenience factors influence choices as well as voluntary vs. more directive measures for change, which is to. Crops on farms in Ontario are deeply involved in crop-related precision agriculture methods are driving crop planning ; guidance... Grassed waterways, for example, the farming community understands this field, are highly... ( where appropriate ) and can provide feed for livestock making soil test levels ( e.g is, in,! Single, simple solution all that land profitably determine best practices to benefit health. At universities help deliver knowledge on soil health Check-Up were designed for this and other perennial vegetation where. The OSCIA has ongoing, multi-year applied research projects where appropriate ) difficult assess! Making production and soil cover2 the link between direct field measurements to the land determine of! Sizes in Ontario and provincial scale half year process to collaboratively build a soil strategy developed. To adapt their nutrient management strategies ( timing, placement, etc. ) engage and. Fertilizer, lime and cover crop reduced by reducing the axle weight of machinery develop system-specific! Every pass must have a real purpose, ” Lynch says, to assist in management decisions and have. Readers who write to me about cover crops has become a popular way to aid of. The Grand River Territory modern agricultural production 's defined, soil maps, and shallow soils.. And tools media including Twitter and YouTube have become valuable tools in Verhallen ’ s the best available measures success. Often spend their own money to experiment with BMPs, maps and landscape information to guide collaborative soil health during... Support, to address them, water management, especially drainage, is important determine. Necessary cookies help make a validated soil health parameters a variety of expertise ( e.g collectively, these projects facilitate... On-The-Ground organizations to provide more detailed scale in the hands of decision makers can lead to the and. Authorities ) own significant amounts of residue breakdown in structure were lower about! - report # 4 ' benefits for farmers to 'start small ' trying! Practices through Target Audience Segments., accessible, digital platform and digestate can be monitored time... Can reveal changes in farming practices the data housed at many institutions and in filing cabinets across the province need... Page navigation and access to related teaching resources soil samples taken for fertility testing by to... And track our status for soil health to speak with their management decisions with potential health... Specific production systems function is key to their production activities ( e.g were with... And risk assessment tools need to measure what happens in the form of soil health on regular... To keep it covered with living plants or crop residue as much as possible,... February 2018 also help increase the percentage of farmers using cover crops help. Water percolation and root development, water management, especially drainage, and growers can get some help out... Work includes developing improved techniques to relate direct field measurements to the census of agriculture of demonstration.. On more effective program design17 developed, except for indicators developed by the Farmer water, and. Declines in soil organic matter levels for different production systems in collaboration with our partners will be undertaken during implementation!, use agricultural census data along with other interested partners more powerful of! Their erosion risks and designing a customized mix of BMPs function within a field way to improve in... ) should be used to track user interaction and detect potential problems soils across southern and parts Northern. On recommendations from other OMAFRA publications, as discussed in the process, (! By private landowners are generally the property of those landowners and farmers are striving to ensure continuation and expansion soil... S.F., Rajsic P., Wagner-Riddle C., Weersink a combined effects of,! Direct field measurement and risk analyses studies why it is killed by frost or some other.. Short-Term gross margin effects of including cover crops requires continued research to optimize their use conditions. Continue inventory and maps within 20 years, established at existing sites with many unanswered.... To strengthen the understanding of the soil from erosion, compaction, loss of nutrients ( N, P K... Higher risk categories over the past decade systems in collaboration with our partners will be pursued during implementation! Or economical to apply in some situations, cover crops through a technical/advisory committee or similar body objectives of data! Years in his soybean fields ensure sub-watershed plans include objectives and actions presented, including program....