What's the best planting depth for corn? There's lots of research that points to a two-inch depth, but there's growing evidence that planting corn up to three inches deep is a better choice if the seed can access optimum moisture levels at that depth. On this episode of The Sharp Edge, Maizex Seeds agronomist Henry... Read More
Category: Features
There are several things that producers and agronomists can do to set a crop up for the best pollination possible, but there is one major factor that no one can control: the weather. In this episode of The Agronomists, not two but three guests join host Lyndsey Smith for a discussion on what can go... Read More
Straight-cutting canola without losing significant yield thanks to pod-shatter resistance traits means that farmers have a full range of options when managing canola harvest. The decision on swathing or not isn't always an easy one, but many farmers use swathing as a harvest timing management tool. But when is the right time? What happens if... Read More
Is a healthy soil about what it has, or is, or does, or doesn't do? There are three ways to assess soil: through its physical, chemical, and biological components. But is a healthy soil one that produces the highest yield? Or is it the one with the highest biological activity? What about organic matter, trafficability,... Read More
No ruts, no worries, right? Not so, at least not when it comes to deep compaction impacts. Air pockets and macropores in soil structure help move water down the soil profile, and where water goes, so do the nutrients. Compacted soils restrict root growth, oxygen, and nutrient and water movement, ultimately restricting yield potential. What's... Read More
Split application, variable rates, stabilizers and a side-dresser with Y-drops: it all adds up to better nitrogen use for Binbrook, Ont., corn grower Nik Oreskovic. On this episode of The Sharp Edge, Oreskovic tells Maizex agronomist Henry Prinzen how he has parlayed Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) cost-share funding into an advanced nitrogen management... Read More
Finding a good day to spray isn't just about wind speed or direction — temperature and relative humidity matter, too. This growing season has thrown some super challenging conditions at growers and spray operators, as hot and humid weather, excessive rain, and early growth have thrown several wrenches in the best laid plans. For this... Read More
Grasshoppers devastated many fields last year over large parts of the Prairies. Of the over 80 species of grasshoppers found on the Prairies, only four are pests — but in sufficient numbers they are a huge concern. After several years of building populations, the pest is still likely to be an issue this year but... Read More
A skilled agronomist is as much a detective as they are an agronomy expert. Recognizing signs and symptoms, asking the right background questions, and looking at a problem from all angles helps an agronomist sort out what's going on when things go awry. For this episode of The Agronomists, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by... Read More
In an ideal growing season, corn goes in to fit soil, with a strong starter fertilizer package, and a plan for a top-dress pass. In reality, the '24 season in Ontario has started out as anything but ideal. A very early warm up has led to well advanced weeds, smeared in corn, and excessive water,... Read More