Robin Lokken with the CLC presents an update on their agricultural drainage project. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

TILLAGE RADISH

Learning the importance of novel pulse crops and a different way to drain water

Jul 27, 2023 | 4:00 PM

What are fenugreek and phacelia flowers and why should farmers look into tile drainage systems for their fields?

Those and countless other questions were addressed to farmers and non-farmers alike at the Conservation Learning Centre (CLC) on Thursday during its annual field day just south of Prince Albert.

The biggest presentation made that morning came from Robin Lokken, the Manager of the CLC who provided an update on their four-year agricultural drainage project, which is now in its second year.

She explains is uses a common practice of surface drainage but they’re also looking into tile drainage. That’s the process that removes excess sub-surface water from fields and allows for better air space within the soil as well as proper cultivation and access by heavy machinery to help harvest crops.

Lokken added that those drainage systems are used in other provinces but not many fields are utilizing it in Saskatchewan.

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So why is this project important and why are staff at the CLC excited about its progress? Lokken said it has to do with changes in Saskatchewan’s climate and crop conditions and how farmers can potentially better tend to their fields.

“It’s been dry for the last few years so it’s hard to imagine that it does get really wet in this part of the province,” she said. “When it’s wet, we have a lot of wetlands and it makes it difficult to get into the field in a timely manner. It’s difficult to seed those areas. We also have to deal with salinity when we have a lot of water.”

Lokken made that presentation to those attending the field day which included representatives from Lake Country Co-op Agro and the Ministry of Agriculture.

She went on to say that despite the rain changing their programs and schedule for the day, the annual event was well attended.

Amongst some of the other presentations given during the day was the CLC’s focus on novel pulse crops and how they can diversify what they do and what new crops can be added to their rotation.

“We’re growing all kinds of neat crops that you wouldn’t usually see when you are driving along so we’re looking at things like fenugreek which is a herb and a pulse,” said Lokken.

She also mentioned they’re experimenting with cover crops like turnips, tillage radish and phacelia flowers, a popular plant for pollinators like bees.

The Conservation Learning Centre holds its field day on the last Thursday in July and is recognizing 30 years of research.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow