Diverse problems - diverse solutions: Organic Research on the Prairies

Brenda Frick, Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada, Saskatoon, SK
Steve Shirtliffe, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK
Jill Clapperton, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB

Organic research on the prairies is an active and dynamic field involving many researchers. Several studies have compared organic systems to high input or reduced tillage systems. Weed profiles on organic farms tend to be similar to provincial averages, with wild mustard, lamb's-quarters, and Canada thistle being very common.

Each province has a long-term comparison of rotations in organic and other systems. Others in this workshop described the Glenlea and Alternative Cropping studies. The Flexible Dryland Cropping Study at Lethbridge compares low diversity, diverse annual, and forage based rotational systems with organic or low input management. It showed that cover crops could be managed organically without tillage, that yield, fertility and nutrition were influenced by rotation, and that returns for organic could be high.

Intercropping is gaining interest on the prairies, with many producers using species mixtures for plow down, green feed or grain. Green manure mixtures were tested at both the Lethbridge AAFC station and the University of Alberta. In response to producer interest, OACC is hoping to initiate further intercropping studies at these locations. On-farm studies in Saskatchewan compare buckwheat, oilseed radish and a variety of pulses as green manures.

Researchers are exploring differences in performance of wheat, durum, oat and barley cultivars on organic farms. They are also looking for early flax cultivars that perform well using delayed seeding techniques, and oat cultivars with superior competitive ability. Researchers are comparing the performance at different seeding rates for spring cereals and for pulses used as green manure crops.

Organic weed control studies include post emergent harrowing both under controlled conditions and on farm, and additional physical methods such as mowing, and rolling. Vinegar is being tested as a broadleaf herbicide. Biological controls for grassy weeds are being screened.

Grasshoppers continue to be a problem throughout the prairies. Researchers are examining grasshopper preference among crops, to aid farmers in severe risk areas. Preliminary tests of control products such as garlic and caffeine have proven unsuccessful.


Source
1st Canadian Organic Agriculture Research Workshop, University of Guelph, January 2004


Contact Info
Brenda Frick, Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada, c/o Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A8 CANADA
Email: brenda.frick@usask.ca
UofS Website: organic.usask.ca


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