This research project is collecting several types of data to re-evaluate strategies for mitigating drought in black chernozemic soils under a rotational production system by optimizing soil moisture, soil health and socioeconomic outcomes. Conducted on the Smart Farm, this study uses a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications that vary stubble height, soil amendments and tillage.
Funded by the Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), this project will span over three years beginning in 2026 introducing additional moisture retention treatments in re-evaluation stages.
Re-evaluation of soil moisture retention strategies though stubble management.
Introduction of soil amendments for soil health improvement with soil moisture retention.
Introduction of treated water for decompaction, desalination and moisture retention.
Development of a combined strategy for soil moisture retention and improved soil health in the prairies.
Soil data is collected through soil sampling and laboratory analysis to assess soil health and in-field measurements of soil moisture, soil temperature and soil compaction, with sampling point coordinates recorded for spatial accuracy.
Weather Station Data
Weather station data is compiled monthly and annually to capture factors such as precipitation, relative humidity, minimum and maximum atmospheric temperatures, wind speed and direction, solar radiation and sunshine hours.
Snow sampling is conducted to measure snowfall, snow water equivalent of snowfall, total snow depth and the snow water equivalent of total snow depth.
Crop data is collected throughout the growing season to document plant growth and final yield, allowing researchers to assess how different management practices influence crop performance under varying soil and climate conditions.