b'Watch our full-length webinar on this topic at S T R A T E G Y seedworld.com/soil-health-webinar Back in the 1980s, the focus was primarily on traditionalShe emphasizes the transformation her team has observed in farming practices like summer fallowing. However, today, werethe soil when they implement these principles, even for a short witnessing the emergence of new technologies, products, andperiod. She illustrates this with a specific example from 2020. practices designed to enhance soil health, Black says.The change in soil quality over just two months and 10 days is Innovations such as cover crops and advanced soil testingremarkable.techniques are being embraced to address the contemporary challenges faced by Canadian farmers.These innovations are bolstered by new science taking a closer look at soil based on its functionality.Most agricultural practices have been rooted in a chemical-centric approach, ignoring the broader, holistic system that encompasses the chemical, physical, and biological aspects of soil, Zavala says. To rejuvenate our soil, we must perceive it as a living system and redirect our focus towards comprehensive research and practices that consider the soil.In the accompanying images, you can see a side-by-side To gain a better understanding of soil constraints, her team atcomparison of soil health, with one area undergoing the soil health the Chinook Applied Research Association near Oyen, Alta., initi- principles and the other left untouched. The difference is striking, ated a program that provides them with a fresh perspective onparticularly in the enriched soils microbial activity.PHOTO: YAMILY ZAVALAsoil. This approach incorporates both the biological and physical aspects of soil. With this perspective in mind, we can identify the signifi-cant constraints we face in the soil health realm, Zavala says.This process of soil regeneration and management is vital Regardless of the protocols or laboratory methods we use tofor understanding the changes in soil health. To facilitate this, its evaluate soil health conditions, its crucial that we adopt indica- important for producers and stakeholders to engage in compre-tors that offer insights into the soils overall health.hensive soil health management and monitoring, Zavala says. This involves benchmarking the soil, implementing manage-When it comes to soil, weve been doing it wrong forment changes, and continuously monitoring the results. years. This monitoring approach extends to seed disease as well, One of the key constraints Zavalas team encountered was soilBlois adds.compaction, impacting the physical components, as well asIn the context of seed diseases, there are specific indicators issues related to aggregation and stability. Understanding thesethat seed growers and farmers should closely monitor to prevent constraints is vital because it helps them determine the mostseed-related diseases. Preventive measures are crucial, just as in appropriate approaches to address soil health shortcomings. human health. Seed-borne diseases often manifest as seedling Over the past few years, weve conducted extensive soilblight and root rots, which result from the presence of pathogens evaluations, focusing on physical, biological, and chemicalwithin the seeds, Blois says. constraints, Zavala says.This information is pivotal in directingMoisture levels play a pivotal role in disease severity, as many our efforts towards addressing these issues. Our goal is to workof these pathogens thrive in wet conditions. Planting in exces-towards soil healing and restoration.sively wet soils or experiencing prolonged wet conditions in the One notable approach involves applying soil health principles,growing season can exacerbate seedling blight and root rot such as minimizing soil disturbance, promoting plant diversity,issues. Ensuring good soil drainage is essential to mitigate these and maintaining continuous ground cover.problems.SWENDORSED BY 116/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2023'