SARDA Ag Research News
SARDA Ag Research News
Plot 216 - June 22, 2021 (3)
Native Pollinator Project by Shelleen Gerbig, BSA, P.Ag.
fields is a great place for native bees to nest. 15% of the wild bees set up homes in wood or hollow plant cavities. These bees, often called leaf-cutter or mason bees, may live in small groups, but many prefer to live alone. We want to encourage this type of native bee for its ability to pollinate crops. As a yield benefit, a correlational study of 60 million seeded acres of yield data in Alberta obtained from AFSC showed that fields with non-crop areas also have slightly higher canola yields (Canola Research Hub).
Pollinators are critical in crop production, and honey producers often look for clover and canola fields to set up bee yards. But it is a well-known fact that native pollinators are as efficient or more efficient pollinators than tame honey bees. In 2020 and 2021, honey bees had very high winter mortality rates, likely due to stress caused by the wet year in 2020 and the drought in 2021. The varroa mite is also increasing its detrimental effects on local honey production and pollination. Tame bee hives are in high demand and short supply. Pollination services from honey producers may not be readily available to help with crop production. Maintaining buffer zones next to water features and habitats for wild native pollinators is imperative. Bee nests provide a place to lay eggs and rear young. About 80% of native bees nest in the ground, and 5% do not make nests. Having undisturbed lands adjacent to
SARDA Ag Research has set up two bee houses to encourage wild bees to live and reproduce in the area. While two bee houses will unlikely affect the production of a quarter section of canola, we wanted to see if we could encourage the bees to set up residence in our houses. Bee houses can be a welcome addition to yards and gardens, providing aesthetic and pollination services.
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Plan on attending the free SARDA Ag Research Pulse and Cereal Plot Tour on July 19 to view our bee houses and learn about the many different crop trials.
by Megan Allard, Research Coordinator
T
Bio stimulant Trial Each treatment consists of the traditional fertility application of N, P, K, S based on soil sample recommendations. The 6 nutrient application treatments are being tested on wheat, canola, and field peas. Methodology for this trial is detailed through the treatment list below: 1. Check - standard fertility application of N, P, K, S 2. Advanced PGR Application 3. APT Nutrition – Chemtrition System 4. Alpine Canada - Phazed Nutrition Program 5. Stoller Enterprises - Canada Advanced Program 6. Penergetic Canada Prior to seeding treatments of each product package begins with either a seed treatment and/or soil application prior to seeding. This can be in the form of a liquid or powder seed treatment, as for soil it can either be applied as a foliar application or an infurrow liquid fertilizer application. The idea of using the full package nutrient system is to take advantage of being able to tank mix the nutrient applications with a herbicide or fungicide foliar applied.
he bio stimulant trial began its first year in May of 2020. SARDA Ag Research is working with two other research associations on this project which include Farming Smarter out of Lethbridge, Alberta, and Battle River Research Group from Forestburg, Alberta. The objective of the trial is to test the full package system of some fertility and bio stimulant companies to determine it’s potential for improve crop yields. To better understand the scope of this trial, it is helpful to have some background information on bio stimulants. It has been stated that bio stimulants have the potential to increase a plant’s growth. Additional benefits would include a plant’s ability to recover from stress due to climatic conditions, improving the quality of the crops seed, access to water more efficiently from increased root growth, and to improve a plant’s metabolism to enhance the crops yield production. 11
