Update: Verifying the Impact of Management Practices on Changes in Specific Soil Health Parameters

Funded by Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR)

Introduction and Objective

The Verification of Management Practices (VMP) Project (2022 - 2024) is a continuation of the Alberta Soil Health Benchmark study (2019 - 2021) aimed at building a provincial database of soil health indicators. Now in its final year, the project has focused on assessing physical, biological, and chemical soil parameters. As a partner group, Peace Country Beef & Forage Association selected and sampled seven sites in the fall of 2021 for baseline data. These sites, representing both grain and beef cattle production systems, were thoroughly documented in terms of field history and management practices.

Methods

In fall 2024, the seven sites originally sampled in 2021 were revisited and similar measurements were conducted. Data collection included on-site assessments of soil compaction and surface infiltration rates, as well as soil cores for bulk density estimates. Soil samples were taken at depths of 0–3 inches and 3–6 inches following Chinook Applied Research Association’s Soil Health Lab (CARASHLab) protocols, with eight sampling points per site. The collected samples were sent to CARASHLab for preparation, processing, and analysis under the supervision of Dr. Yamily Zavala. The soil was evaluated for texture, wet aggregation stability, soil respiration, active carbon, total bacteria, total fungi as well as nematode functional groups. Subsamples were sent to the University of Alberta for quantification of total organic carbon and nitrogen (TOC:TON) ratios and to A&L Labs for complete mineral analysis.

Anticipated results

Dr. Yamily Zavala will share the results of the state of farmlands with producers upon finalizing the analysis. This will give producers an overall perspective of how their farm activities have impacted the soil. Furthermore, conscious efforts are being made by Dr. Yamily to meet producers when results are ready, and to provide suggestions and recommendations on strategies for soil health. This will allow producers to share their experiences and challenges. 

Figure 1. Participating Applied Research Associations and Forage Associations.

Figure 2. PCBFA staff member taking soil samples in the field.