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Grain Growers of Canada Update (PCN Fall 2013)

albertapulse on October 21, 2013

This article appeared in the Fall 2013 issue of Pulse Crop News.

Janet Krayden

Grain Growers hires new Executive Director

After toiling diligently throughout the summer, the Grain Growers’ hiring committee has hired Jim Facette as its new Executive Director (ED) to replace Richard Phillips, GGC’s outgoing ED who is moving to his new position as President of the Canada Grains Council. Jim officially starts with the Grain Growers September 3rd.

His qualifications and experience made him an excellent choice. He is an experienced government and public relations professional with 18 years of industry association experiences in various sectors including construction and airports. Most recently he was President and CEO of the Canadian Propane Association. He is passionate about working with farmers and the grain industry and he looks forward to getting to know the GGC Board and Staff.

Grains, Oilseed & Pulses Sustainability Summit, Winnipeg, July 9th

Grain Growers and several member organisations participated in the Sustainability Summit in Winnipeg on July 9th. “Sustainability” is an increasingly popular buzz word and also gaining pre-dominance as an issue. Led by industry and organized by the Grains Roundtable Sustainability subcommittee, the one day conference had a mixture of retailers, farmers, ag associations, exporters and non-government organization representatives.

Many retailers such as General Mills, McDonalds, Unilever are independently organizing sustainability standards. New international sustainability standards and requirements are also increasing pressure on exporters. Pulse Canada has done a lot of work in the form of a sustainability calculator that was also discussed and the Canadian Cattlemen also presented the program they are launching called Ecosystem Services Programs.

Sustainability is challenging to define. One area where more work needs to be done is outreach to engage retailers and environmental groups. Farmers at the summit explained they realise that they need to do more work educating the public regarding substantial sustainability progress made but they don’t want a new regulatory burden and the cost of sustainability programs downloaded on farmers.

Also, if there is a marketing advantage and premiums are paid for participation, this will make voluntary participation a lot more attractive to farmers.

Grain Growers will need to continue to be engaged on this file and this may become more of a “hot” issue at AAFC’s Grains Roundtable and potentially also at the Canada Grains Council in the future.

Be Confident and Proud about how you farm!

Learn to speak confidently about how you farm today by joining the Grain Growers and Croplife in Calgary for the afternoon of Sunday, December 1st!

Grain Growers and Croplife are holding a workshop designed for farmers to help farmers be prepared to better communicate the benefits of plant science and modern agriculture technologies. This special session will be held from 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM, the day before the Grain Growers Board meeting, which is prior to the Grow Canada Conference, held the same week. Focusing on being prepared on these topics will help us to answer questions from our friends, our neighbours, and the media, that arise in our daily lives regarding biotech and other modern farming technologies.

The workshop is for Grain Growers’ Directors and member staff and if any Alberta Pulse Growers farmers are interested they are welcome to join the session, but space is limited. If interested, please contact Janet Krayden at 613-233-9954 or office@ggc-pgc.ca.

Executive Director’s Message (PCN Fall 2013)

albertapulse on October 21, 2013

This article appeared in the Fall 2013 issue of Pulse Crop News.

Leanne Fischbuch, Executive Director

Like all producers, Alberta Pulse Growers’ staff has been waiting to see how the 2012-13 harvest comes in. Again, we are expecting over 1 million acres of pulse crops to contribute to the agri-food industry in Alberta. We have not been idle this summer just waiting for the harvest, though; we have been across the province this summer spreading the good word about pulses.

One of the most anticipated events of the summer was the Canadian Special Crops Association (CSCA) Conference, which was to be held in Calgary on June 22 to June 25. APG’s Zone 2 was working hard to provide a spectacular tour of the Alberta Zone for international delegates attending the conference. The unfortunate natural disaster of the greatest flood event in Alberta’s most recent history stopped all the events in their tracks, though, and the CSCA conference and all activities planned around it, including the APG Zone 2 tour, were cancelled. I would like to thank the Zone 2 members who worked very hard to plan for a great tour, and specifically Les Bell and Doug Sell. I know it would have been a fantastic success. Late July, the final call was made and the CSCA conference was cancelled for 2013. While unfortunate, we are looking forward to next year’s CSCA, which will be held in Saskatoon.

As crop walk season started, APG staff tried to make it out to as many events as we possibly could. The opportunity at the crop walks to hear from growers and discuss what is on the minds of our members is extremely important. When we entered the season early on, we were one staff member short, and as the season ramped up, we were pleased to have Sydney Vos, join our staff as our Member Relations Coordinator. From the first day, Sydney was launched into her new role and joined other staff members on the crop walk circuit. I hope you had a chance to meet Sydney at one of the walks, but if not, please read her story in this issue of PCN to get to know her a bit better and follow her on twitter at @APGSydney.

While Sydney joined the staff, in late August, we will be saying good-bye to another staff member, Communications Coordinator Jennifer Blair. Jennifer has been with APG for the past two years and has led the significant rebranding effort and web development for the organization. She has also been the Editor behind Pulse Crop News for over eight editions and has been a pulse promoter to the social media scene, advancing the public’s awareness and use of pulses in their daily recipes. We will miss her consumer focus and her skills and abilities in the area of communications, and we wish her well in her new role as she will continue to develop her passion for writing and support of the agriculture industry.

Science was also on the APG agenda this summer, gaining support and approval from the federal government for the Agri-Science Innovation Pulse Cluster Application. In late July came the news from Minister Ritz announcing the $15 million investment for the Pulse Cluster. This will support research and innovation in the pulse industry for the next five years, effective April 1, and will create broader collaboration from across Canada on pulse research. APG is looking forward to working with Pulse Canada and the other grower groups from across the nation in finalizing the Cluster funding and getting the research up and running.

While producers are out harvesting, APG staff will be having the following key activities on our agenda for the next few months. We are already in preparation for Zone meetings, and we encourage you to mark your calendars for dates and meeting locations in your area. Meetings will start the second week of November and carry on until the second week of December. We look forward to dialoging with you about the past year and hearing your comments and concerns as we move forward.

APG is also in the middle of a regulatory review; it is APG’s turn to open up our regulations to review and recommend any changes. We have a subcommittee of Commissioners and staff who are working on the recommendations, and we will be asking for feedback on our direction as we move forward with any legislation changes.

Soon, registration for FarmTech will also be opening up. As a host organization, APG would encourage you to consider attending FarmTech. It is the best Western Canadian Agriculture Conference out there, and the line-up for this year is looking fantastic. APG also holds our Annual General Meeting during the event, and we would like to extend an invitation to pulse growers to join us on January 29 at FarmTech to hear more of what APG has been doing this past year. We will also be featuring an update from Pulse Canada during our AGM. Executive Director’s Message Leanne Fischbuch, Executive Director

Please drop me a line anytime with your thoughts and comments about APG. I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me at lfischbuch@pulse.ab.ca. Have a safe and prosperous harvest!

President’s Report (PCN Fall 2013)

albertapulse on October 21, 2013

This article appeared in the Fall 2013 issue of Pulse Crop News.

Richard Krikke, APG President

A farmer’s work is never done, and that seems doubly so as we enter another busy season of meetings, tradeshows, and other events that will help us make important growing decisions for next year. And while these events – including Alberta Pulse Growers’ zone meetings – are important, we learned a few lessons over the summer here at APG that can be applied to next year’s growing season and beyond.

1. You can’t count on the weather.

Mother Nature made it pretty clear we were in for a wild summer in late June with the catastrophic flooding of High River and Calgary. The pulse and special crops industries were all set to meet in Calgary at the end of June for the annual Canadian Special Crops Association conference, but a year of planning could not have prepared the organizing committee for a hundred-year flood in the host city. Then, throughout July, hail ravaged crops across the province, including in my area near Barrhead, where some farms saw 100 per cent hail damage. Few things are more disappointing than putting your time and energy into a crop only to have it hailed out. No, you can’t count on the weather – or any of the many other things that are outside your control – but you can plan as best as is possible, salvage what you can if things go wrong, and hope next time goes better.

2. You need to know your markets.

As farmers, we always seem to be at the mercy of our markets. We grow what the markets want us to grow, and we sell when the markets are giving us the best price for our products (or at least we try to.) But as we’ve learned in recent years, knowing our market means more than knowing what to sell and when. How we produce our crops can sometimes mean the difference between an open market and a closed one. Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for desiccants and harvest management tools is a prime example of that. To help clarify the international limits for our growers, the provincial pulse grower groups worked together over the summer to produce a grower advisory that shows market considerations for desiccants and harvest management tools for some of our major trade partners. This chart can be found on our website at www.pulse.ab.ca/producers under the News, Events, and Publications section.

3. You’re only as good as your worst tool.

On a farm, a tool can be anything that helps you get the job done: your machinery, your chemicals, your farmhands, your knowledge, and your skills. That’s why we sent our staff – even our administrative staff – to crop walks across Alberta this summer. Everywhere they went, they had a chance to learn more about the crops we’re supporting and connect with the growers who are producing them. And that’s also why we invest in research. The more we know – the more production tools we have in our tool box – the better able we are to get the job done. Minister Ritz’s announcement of the federal government’s $15 million investment in pulse research will go a long way toward helping us give growers the tools they need to produce high-quality pulses for many years to come.

Now these things may seem like common sense to the average farmer, but we think it’s useful advice all the same. And when we see you out at our zone meetings this winter or chat with you at one of the tradeshows we’ll be at, we’ll remind you of another useful piece of advice: many hands make light work, and we can always use a few more hands in our zones, advising us on the direction we should be heading to best help our growers.

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a Zone Advisor or Commissioner, get in touch with Member Relations Coordinator Sydney Vos at 780-986-9398 or svos@pulse.ab.ca.

Canadian pulse industry receives $15 million research investment

albertapulse on July 29, 2013

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Minister Gerry Ritz showed strong support for Canada’s pulse industry today when he announced an investment of up to $15 million in funding for strategic pulse-based research through the federal government’s AgriInnovation Program.

Alberta Pulse Growers’ President Richard Krikke feels this funding sends a clear message about the important role of pulses in the future of Canada’s agriculture and food industry.

“As one of the world’s largest producers of pulses, Canada relies on growers to produce top-quality pulse crops, and in turn, we as growers rely on research to make pulse crops easier to grow and market,” says Krikke. “We are pleased that the important research we undertake on behalf of our growers will continue thanks to this generous funding.”

A Canada-wide partnership between all pulse organizations, the five-year Pulse Science Cluster supports a variety of projects, with an emphasis on improving pulse variety development; disease and pest management; new crop agronomy and management; processing and utilization of pulses and pulse fractions in food products; and health knowledge for increased pulse consumption.

Each project has been carefully selected by the pulse industry to increase the sustainability, profitability, and competitiveness of Canadian pulse producers, according to Krikke.

“By investing in this research, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has truly invested in our growers – the men and women in the field feeding the world with their high-quality pulse crops,” Krikke says. “With that in mind, Alberta Pulse Growers will work closely with our industry partners over the next five years to ensure our growers receive the best possible return on that investment, through new varieties, new production best practices, and new marketing opportunities.”

Pulse Growers Urged to be Aware of Marketing Restrictions for Desiccant / Harvest Management Tools

albertapulse on July 24, 2013

Canadian pulse growers will face fewer risks this season when using desiccants and other harvest management products, thanks to work done by the Canadian pulse industry over the past two years. However, provincial pulse organizations are reminding growers to be aware of regulations surrounding use of pulse crop desiccants/harvest management tools this season, in order to keep their marketing options open.

“We’ve made great progress in resolving some of the market access issues we’ve had in the past as a result of maximum residue limits, or MRLs, but some gaps remain,” says Carl Potts, Executive Director of Saskatchewan Pulse Growers. “Being aware of those gaps now will help growers keep their marketing options open later.”

“Understanding the international limits for harvest management tools is critical if growers hope to ensure better marketability of their pulses when it comes time to sell their crops,” says Leanne Fischbuch, Executive Director of Alberta Pulse Growers.

Producers can minimize the risk that their crops will not be accepted in international markets by following simple steps. In addition to applying the products according to the label directions, growers should consult with their processors/exporters about safe usage of products destined for specific markets. Growers are also reminded to consult the attached chart, highlighting market considerations for commonly used desiccants and harvest management tools. “This chart can help producers choose the right desiccant or harvest management tool for acceptance with Canada’s primary trading partners,” says Roxanne Lewko, Executive Director of Manitoba Pulse Growers Association.

In the meantime, fortifying the export process for Canadian growers and exporters remains a top priority for pulse organizations across Canada going forward, says Erin Morgan, Executive Director of Ontario Bean Growers. “In an industry where over three-quarters of our crops are produced for export markets, developing clear and reasonable MRLs in foreign markets is one of the Canadian pulse industry’s top priorities. Together, we’ll continue working to reduce market access issues to ensure we have sustainable, profitable trade partners both domestically and internationally for our growers.”

For more information, please see the Maximum Residue Limit Grower Advisory document on safe usage for desiccants/harvest management tools for 2013.

Act Now to Preserve Seed Grain Quality

albertapulse on July 19, 2013

Opportunities to maximize the quality of your seed and commodity crop are within reach, even though the growing season often presents crop production challenges in the form of insects, disease and weather. By acting accordingly, and at the right time, you can improve seed quality and maximize grain grade potential. Watch your bottom line improve by implementing these four actionable tactics aimed at enhancing and preserving quality.

Action #1: Manage Disease

Controlling in-crop disease is the first tool to manage success. During the growing season, pulses can be devastated by disease, and usually very quickly. From a seed testing laboratory standpoint, the most common seed borne pulse disease we observe is Ascochyta spp. in peas. There are three fungi present in western Canada that cause the Ascochyta blight complex, each which vary in severity and prevalence.

Most producers refer to this disease as Ascochyta, but you may also hear the term Mycophaerella blight, which is the most widespread of the three fungi. During the past testing season, we analyzed seed samples with Ascochyta infection rates as high as 21.5 per cent, while average infection rates tended to be in the 3-4.5 per cent range. Other seed borne diseases BioVision analysts see in pulses are Botrytis and Anthracnose. Seed-borne infection of these pathogens have traditionally been below 2.0 per cent in seed grown in Alberta.

In addition to damaging seed quality, disease can impact the grade designation and, ultimately, the commodity price assigned upon crop delivery. Weather, presence of inoculum, and host crop will dictate disease severity. Crop scout throughout the growing season, then sharpen your pencil and evaluate the economics of applying a foliar fungicide.

Action #2: Scrutinize Your Pre-harvest Herbicide Application

Are you planning a pre-harvest herbicide application for your seed fields? Each and every year, western Canada farmers opt to use pre-harvest application of herbicides to control tough perennial weeds, due to the effectiveness and affordability. Unfortunately, in the lab, we often observe abnormal seedlings within the germination test when the crop is sprayed just prior to harvest with glyphosate. The seeds will sprout, but after a few days in the germination growth chamber, the shoot and root almost cease growing. Also, secondary root hairs do not branch from the primary root, which is typical for healthy seedlings. These stunted seedlings will be classified as “abnormal” in a germination test, as they are believed to not have the capacity to produce a viable plant. Read herbicide manufacturer labels carefully, then re-schedule your seed crop weed control for a later date.

Action #3: Plan Your Harvest and Handling to Maximize Quality

Harvest time can make or break your pulse seed crop – literally. Pulses are classified into the Fabaceae family and are termed dicots (dicotyledons), as the seed has two embryonic cotyledons. This structure makes the seed vulnerable to cotyledon detachment and splitting.

First, be extremely aware of the seed moisture content at harvest. As the moisture percent falls, the two cotyledons become sensitive to mechanical damage and can easily crack and split. The result is poorly germinating seed and grain that is downgraded. The difference between No. 1 Canada Green Peas and No. 2 Canada Green Peas in Split Percent (%) is merely 0.5 per cent. In the lab, we routinely observe mechanical damage symptoms, which are the absence of a shoot in the germination test, combined with roots that stop growing shortly after they emerge from the seed. Plan to harvest your peas on the tough side (>16 per cent moisture) to mitigate seed coat cracking and cotyledon separation.

Secondly, safe handling systems are a must for pulses. Search out innovative options to transfer your pulses to and from storage to reduce the risk of mechanical damage.

Action #4: Protect Your Inventory

The crop cycle is now complete, and you have taken all possible steps to produce the best quality crop possible. The next step is to protect your inventory by maintaining industry standard safe storage moisture content. Aeration will be necessary if you harvested your crop tough, to avoid spoilage. If drying the grain is required, be cognizant that high temperatures (>45oC) will damage seed germination and as little as 0.1 per cent heated kernels will downgrade your commodity peas to a lower class. It is rare for insects to infest pulses in bins, but various weevil populations can grow while the crop is in storage. Protect you inventory with a continual monitoring program, and then take action if needed.

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2012 edition of Pulse Crop News and was submitted by Holly Gelech of BioVision Seed Labs. Holly Gelech is the Manager of Business Development for BioVision Seed Labs. For more information about BioVision, visit www.biovision.ca, phone 1-800-952-5407, or follow them on Twitter at @seed_testing.

Alberta Pulse Growers welcomes new Member Relations Coordinator

albertapulse on July 18, 2013

Alberta Pulse Growers is pleased to welcome new Member Relations Coordinator Sydney Vos to the organization, effective July 15, 2013. With a farming background, Bachelor of Science in Agricultural/Food Business Management degree, and experience in various agriculture industry roles, Vos will bring a fresh perspective to member extension activities, according to Leanne Fischbuch, Executive Director of Alberta Pulse Growers.

“Effective member relations is essential to the continued growth of the pulse industry in Alberta, and Sydney’s farming background, experience in connecting with producers, and eagerness to learn make her a great addition to our team and our industry,” says Fischbuch.

As APG’s Member Relations Coordinator, Vos will work closely with pulse producers, industry experts, and key stakeholders to help increase pulse production knowledge and extension activities across Alberta. Part of Vos’s role will include coordinating zone meetings, crop tours, and demonstration plots – three areas that have been vital to pulse acreage growth in the province.

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen an increase in pulse acres and the number of growers we support,” says Fischbuch. “More importantly, we’ve seen increased interest from growers who don’t currently include pulses in their crop rotations. Maintaining this growth is one of our top priorities.”

Fischbuch feels that Vos’s experience and enthusiasm will help the organization continue this momentum by further enhancing its member relations activities. “Sydney is a welcome addition to our already fantastic team, and with her on board, I’m confident Alberta’s pulse industry will continue to grow and prosper, increasing the sustainability and profitability of pulse growers across the province.”

Pulse Diagnostic Chart

albertapulse on June 26, 2013

Though not comprehensive, the Pulse Diagnostic Chart may help when you’re in the field scouting for issues in your pulse crops.

Poor or no emergence or large gaps in the seed row.

Poor germination or low vigor (seed is found and may or may not be rotted)
Seed decay or seed rot (seed may not be found)
No seed found – seed decay or poor seeding patterns (seeding too fast)
Plumule (shoot) has been cut below soil surface – cut worm damage
Plumule (shoot) below ground is brown near seed – common root rot
Plumule (shoot) cut or damaged at soil surface – wind damage

Uniform emergence but patches are twisted, stunted or dying.

Orange centre in lower stem and plumule – fusarium wilt
Possible residual herbicide damage
Excess water causing root rot
High soil salinity levels

Uniform emergence but patches are dying although secondary buds forming.

Frost damage
Soil residual herbicide damage

Poor root system but no browning.

Phosphate deficiency
Extremely wet soil conditions

Nodulation not present at 5 to 6 node stage.

Inoculant problem or inoculation problem
Very acid soils
High soil nitrogen

Nodulation present but green pulpy nodules.

High soil nitrogen
Extremely dry soil conditions

Plants are turning yellow.

Excess water causing root rot
No nitrogen fixation
Herbicide residue in the soil
Herbicide application damage (low water volume)
Herbicide drift if in pattern near edge of field
Extreme drought and nitrogen fixation stops

Extremely tall growth, long internodes.

Excess soil or fertilizer nitrogen combined with good moisture

Compressed plant growth, extremely short internodes.

Drought
Herbicide injury from soil carryover
Herbicide injury due to low water volumes
Herbicide injury due to late application (6+ nodes)

Main plant (5 to 7 node stage) is stalled in growth – new tillers forming.

High soil salinity
Classic case of herbicide damage due to low water volumes, cocktail mixes or sprayer tank residues
Herbicide injury from soil carry over

Twisting of main stem or tendrils.

Herbicide drift
Herbicide injury from tank contamination

Flowers are falling off or pods not forming on upper flower nodes.

Flower blast due to heat/low moisture stress
General drought damage
Downy mildew symptom

Leaves are yellow but veins are green.

Possible fertility imbalance of magnesium or manganese deficiency (not common)

Lower stems near soil surface are purple/black.

Early symptoms of ascochyta complex

Stem portion white with remaining plant green.

Classic sclerotinia stem rot

Premature lodging or excessive lodging for the variety.

High soil residual nitrogen
Mycosphaerella/ascochyta disease complex
Excessive moisture

Various pods have white blotches.

Grasshopper damage
Downy mildew infection
Hail damage

Various pods have discoloured or rotting ends.

Botrytis or grey mold damage

Pods are prematurely splitting open – seed also splitting.

Environmental, high moisture levels after a prolonged drought

A leaf or leaves on only parts of plant are yellowing.

Possible virus infection

Brown lesions with dark margins on leaves, pods and stems.

Classic symptom of ascochyta infection

White powdery coating on pods and plants.

Classic symptom of powdery mildew infection

Download Chart

Scouting for Disease in Your Pulse Crops

albertapulse on June 26, 2013

Rotting stems, decaying roots, stunting – by the time these symptoms appear in your fields, it may already be too late to salvage your pulse crop. Scouting for disease is one of the most critical things you can do during the summer months to avoid substantial yield loss, harvest problems, and reduction in seed quality.

The severity and prevalence of disease in pulse crops depend largely on weather, crop rotations, and presence of disease in the field. Many of these factors are outside of your control – but there are a number of ways to reduce the severity of the infection and, hopefully, reduce its impact on your crop.

Use proper rotations. A four-year crop rotation that includes non-susceptible crops and a minimum of four years between pulse crops can help break the disease cycle. Because some diseases are wind-borne, avoiding planting adjacent to the previous year’s pulse crop is also advisable. If disease is not a problem, shorter rotations can be used but are not recommended.

Use certified seed. Planting disease-resistant varieties and certified, disease-free seed can help prevent disease in your fields.

Treat your seed. To protect your crop from fungal diseases that may be both present in the seed, as well as those that may attack the plants early in the growth stage, seed should be treated prior to planting. Check Alberta Agriculture’s Crop Protection Guide (the Blue Book) for available seed treatments and rates to use.

Use care when handling seed. Mechanically damaged seed is prone to fungal diseases during germination. Young seedlings are also less vigorous and therefore more susceptible to these diseases.

Use chemical disease control when necessary. Few registered fungicides are available for pulse crops. The most up-to-date information on the use and recommended rates is available in Alberta Agriculture’s (the Blue Book) Crop Protection, Agdex 606-1.

Use sound agronomy and aggressive disease scouting techniques. In addition to using appropriate crop rotations, planting certified seed, treating the seed, adhering to recommended practices for seeding rates, row spacings, time of seeding, and depth of seeding can reduce the severity and spread of disease. Rolling fields when the plants are wet can also spread disease, as can scouting when fields are wet. Many symptoms of disease are easily identified through persistent field scouting, and early diagnosis is essential if you hope to apply appropriate control measures in time.

Disease scouting must be conducted throughout the growing season. To scout for disease…

Review the field history, identifying any fields that have had problems with disease in the past.
Scout every week, checking any fields that are prone to disease first.
Select five to 10 random sites throughout the fields, keeping in mind that row ends often have the highest risk of disease. Look closely at the leaves and stems of the plants for any sign of disease. Mark these areas with a flag and return to these areas as an accurate way to monitor disease progress between scoutings.
Identify any diseases and take the appropriate measures to control them immediately, as some diseases can progress quickly. If you are uncertain about diagnosis, take one or two plants to an agronomist for help in identification.
Map the diseased areas and monitor them frequently for signs of disease spread.

Having a solid working knowledge of the most common types of disease can help you identify and treat infection in your field.

Optimal Plant Density for Your Pulse Crop

albertapulse on June 19, 2013

Optimal plant density depends on many factors, including crop type, intended use of the crop, growing conditions, and region. While high plant densities can help your pulse crop compete with weeds or reach maturity a few days faster, they can also reduce seed size and create conditions for disease growth.

Each pulse crop type grown in Alberta has different optimal plant densities.

Pea: 8 target plants per square foot
Lentil: 12 target plants per square foot
Dry Bean: 4 target plants per square foot
Chickpea: 4 target plants per square foot
Faba Bean: 4 target plants per square foot
Soybean: 4 target plants per square foot

Please note that the dry bean target plants per square foot is for solid-seeded beans only. For chickpeas, the target plants per square foot in the table is at the low end of the range for desi type and on the high end of the range for kabuli type.

Please refer to Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development for more information about plant density.