Government of Saskatchewan ministries, Crown corporations and organizations are implementing contingency plans to minimize the impacts of postal service disruption.
Les ministères, sociétés d’État et organismes du gouvernement de la Saskatchewan mettent en œuvre des plans d’urgence visant à réduire les répercussions de l’interruption du service des postes.
Google Translate Disclaimer
A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:
Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.
Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).
Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.
December 2024
Crop diversity is one of the keys to economic and environmental stability. A diversified crop rotation can provide production stability, manage pests and improve soil conditions in agricultural production systems. Here are three compelling reasons to incorporate perennial forage into your crop rotation.
1. Soil Health Improvement: Perennial forages play a crucial role in enhancing soil health. Their deep root systems help to improve soil structure by increasing organic matter and promoting better water infiltration. This not only reduces soil erosion but also enhances the soil’s ability to retain nutrients and moisture, leading to healthier crops in subsequent planting seasons. The deep roots of perennial forages also help to break up compacted soil layers, allowing for better root penetration and growth of subsequent crops. Additionally, the increased organic matter from decaying roots and plant residues provides a continuous source of nutrients for soil microorganisms, fostering a vibrant and balanced soil ecosystem.
2. Pest and Weed Management: Integrating perennial forages into crop rotations can significantly aid in pest and weed management. These forages can break pest and disease cycles that are common in annual cropping systems. By disrupting the life cycles of pests and pathogens, perennial forages reduce the likelihood of infestations and disease outbreaks. Additionally, the dense ground cover provided by perennial forages suppresses weed growth, reducing the need for chemical herbicides. The reduced reliance on chemical inputs also helps to preserve beneficial insects and soil organisms, contributing to a healthier and more balanced agroecosystem.
3. Economic Benefits: Perennial forages can offer substantial economic benefits. They provide a reliable source of forage for livestock, reducing the need for purchased feed. This can be particularly advantageous during periods of drought or feed shortages, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality forage. Moreover, the improved soil health and reduced pest pressure can lead to higher yields and better-quality crops in the long term, enhancing overall farm profitability. The diversification of farm income through the sale of standing or baled forage can also provide financial stability and resilience against market fluctuations. Additionally, the long-term benefits of improved soil health and reduced input costs contribute to the overall sustainability and profitability of the farming operation.
.jpg?h=225&w=300&hash=76D809CFD735FC14FCB87C0AA9645624)
In conclusion, adding perennial forages to your crop rotation is a strategic decision that can improve soil health, manage pests and weeds more effectively and provide significant economic benefits. By adopting this practice, farmers can create a more sustainable and productive agricultural system.
If you aren't ready to add a perennial forage crop into the overall crop rotation, consider using perennials in areas where annual crop production performance isn't optimal. Areas with sandy soils, saline deposits or generally poor soils may be good areas to introduce perennial forages. You may find that although perennial forages are a higher cost in some situations, the return on investment may make a difference.
The Ministry of Agriculture has programs available to convert annual cropland into perennial forages through the Resilient Agricultural Landscapes Program (RALP).
For more information on perennials in crop rotation or accessing the RALP program, contact your nearest Ministry of Agriculture regional office or the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.
We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve
