Stubble management effects on microclimate and performance of canola across different climatic regions in Western Canada

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Date
2014-01-15
Authors
Cardillo, Michael John
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Abstract
The climate of the Canadian Prairies is semi-arid, thus moisture is a limiting factor in canola production. Previous research indicates that the alteration of the early season microclimate using tall wheat stubble from the previous year can create more favorable conditions for canola to emerge. The objective of this research was to test this approach over a broad range of climatic conditions across western Canada. In 2011 & 2012 field sites were established in Kenton, Swan Lake MB, Indian Head, Swift Current, SK and Lethbridge, Falher and Grimshaw AB. At each site, large replicated plots of tall stubble cut at 50 cm height were compared to large replicated plots of short stubble cut at 20 cm tall. The treatments were statistically analyzed to determine their effects on microclimates on canola during the spring seeding and fall harvest. This data provided an assessment of the possible benefits that stubble management could have on canola across a broad range of climatic conditions.
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Microclimate, Agrometeorology
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