b'THE FUTURE IS IN DIVERSITYWeve known for a long time that tight rotations spell trouble down the road.New research sheds light on why growers need more options to ward off future problems.Marc ZienkiewiczCROP ROTATION IS a fundamental aspect of modern agriculture,Creating Resilient Rotationsoffering numerous benefits such as disease control, improved soil health, and enhanced crop yields. However, in some regions, the practice of crop rotation has become simplified, leading to potential long-term consequences for the future of the seed industry.Two separate initiatives are highlighting the importance of diversifying crop rotations in Canada. The Resilient Rotations project took a comprehensive approach to assess crop rotations in the Prairie provinces. The project is part of the Integrated Crop Agronomy Cluster and is evaluating various crop rotations to help create more productive, sustainable, and resilient cropping systems on the Canadian Prairies. Its led by Kui Liu, research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, with Sheri Strydhorst of Sheris Ag Consulting leading extension for the project. At the same time, the Diverse Field Crops Cluster (DFCC)Resilient crop rotation at Melfort, Sask., in 2022. Photo: Kui Liurecently completed the first phase of its project to support the research and development of high-potential, special crops thatThe Resilient Rotations project covered the northern and have a potentially important place in rotations throughout thesouthern Prairies of Alberta and Saskatchewan as well as sites Prairies. The DFCC is spearheaded by Ag-West Bio and helmedin Manitobas Red River Valley. The focus was on key crop per-by Project Manager Carol Ann Patterson. formance indicators, including yield, yield stability, economics, efficient use of precipitation and nitrogen fertilizer.According to the studys findings, crop rotations on the Prairies are tight. The simplicity of these rotations can be attrib-uted to several factors, includ-ing workload management, farm size, ease of logistics, and67% IS THE economic considerations, says NUMBER OF SEEDED ACRES Sheri Strydhorst of Sheris AgIN ALBERTA DEDICATED TO A Consulting, who leads extensionWHEAT-CANOLA ROTATION, FORMING A SIMPLE ROTATION for the project.OF OILSEED AND CEREAL For a farmer with a largerCROPS. operation, managing a straight-forward rotation can streamline processes and reduce logistical complexities. Economic incen-tives may encourage you to stick with familiar and profitable crops, especially when the rotation is yielding positive financial Carol Ann Patterson, projectSheri Strydhorst, principalreturns.manager for the Diverse Fieldof Sheris Ag Consulting andThe problem is that tight rotations can lead to several chal-Crops Cluster. extension lead for the Resilientlenges in the long run. One major concern is the increased risk Rotations project. of soil-borne diseases, such as clubroot and blackleg in canola. Continuous cultivation of a host crop promotes the buildup of pathogens in the soil, potentially reducing crop yields and profitability.14GERMINATION.CASEPTEMBER 2023'