A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). If you require further information, regarding this report, call the Elora Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA website: www.ontario.ca/omafra
Did you know that OMAFRA has a handbook that’s all about nutrients and soil fertility?
It’s called the Soil Fertility Handbook and was first published in 1998. The book covers topics such as soil testing, soil pH and lime and fertilizer application.
There’s a chapter on organic nutrient sources, like manure, biosolids and cover crops, as well as tips for identifying nutrient deficiencies in the field. It’s comprehensive and written in plain language.
The Soil Fertility Handbook is often included as reading in university courses, but it can just as easily be used as a handy, everyday guide.
The third edition of OMAFRA’s Soil Fertility Handbook has just been released.
It has a number of new features, including an added introductory chapter on The Nature of Soils and Soil Fertility. The new handbook has completely updated graphics and 25 brand new tables and figures.
It answers many of the most commonly asked questions related to crops and nutrients, such as why some soils hold nutrients more easily than others and how fertilizer recommendations are developed.
The book includes examples from both field and horticultural crops.
It continues to be an authoritative guide on soil fertility concepts.
If you would like a copy of the Soil Fertility Handbook, you have two options.
You can download a PDF version for free from the OMAFRA website http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub611/p611order.htm.
You can order a hard copy for $20 plus tax and shipping from Service Ontario.
The PDF version includes all-colour figures, while the hardcopy is black-and-white except for nutrient deficiency photos.
Coming Events:
Jan. 9 – Farm Management Strategies to Improve Margins and Reduce Risk – Alma Community Centre – 51 Simpson Street E., Alma, ON. For more information and to register, see https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/farm-management-strategies-to-improve-margins-and-reduce-risk-alma-registration-50083750847
Jan. 18 – CropSmart 2019 – RIM Park, Manulife Financial Sportsplex – 2001 University Ave. East, Waterloo, ON. Visit website for more information and to register https://farmsmartconference.com/ or call the AICC Centre 1-877-424-1300.
Jan. 19 – FarmSmart 2019 – Rozanski Hall at the University of Guelph. Visit website for more information and to register https://farmsmartconference.com/ or call the AICC Centre 1-877-424-1300.
