This article appeared in the Fall 2014 issue of Pulse Crop News.

Dianne Westerlund, Manager and Forage Agronomist, CARA

Faba beans, field peas, lentils and soybeans were all planted in side-by-side strips at a field site south of Chinook, AB.

The Chinook Applied Research Association (CARA) demo included different varieties, seeding dates, seeding rates, fertilizer and inoculant treatments on each of the crops. All were seeded into canola stubble using CARA’s Henderson 500 small plot drill.

The demos were one of the highlights of a Crop Field Day held July 23. This field day was part of the APG extension activities that seek to ensure growers have access to best management practices based on current and relevant research.

Producers had the opportunity to discuss these crops with Pulse Research Scientist Robyne Bowness of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD), ARD Crop Specialist Neil Whatley, APG’s Sydney Vos, and Dr. Yamily Zavala, CARA’s Crop and Soil Agronomist. The Field Day drew approximately 25 producers coming from points all across the Special Areas. The general discussion indicated that the participants left with a greater understanding of the agronomics and benefits of including pulses in their crop rotations.

In addition to the pulse demos, Field Day participants also toured the following trials and demonstrations on land provided by Charles Schmidt:

• Canola Agronomics Demo
• Stoller Seed and Foliar Treatment Trials on canola, field peas and wheat
• Carinata Variety Trial
• Brassica Juncea Variety Trial

Rick Bennett of Agrisoma and Keith Gabert of Canola Council of Canada, provided information on carinata and canola. Zavala led an excellent discussion on soil resources utilizing a pit dug by Schmidt showing characteristics of the local soil profile. She also described a number of soil amendment treatments planned for an area of low production and compaction.

The Field Day was sponsored by Alberta Pulse Growers, Alberta Canola, Alberta Wheat, Stoller Enterprises Ltd. and Evergreen Equipment Ltd.