Enhancing Yield and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Crops under Subsurface Drip Fertigation in Southern Alberta
Research Theme
Agriculture, Food and Environment
Status
Completed
Lead Researcher
Dr. Willemijn Appels
Duration of Project
2019-2020
Funders
Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) Adapting Innovative Solutions in Agriculture Program
Collaborators/Partners
Dr. Rezvan Karimi Dehkordi
Project Description
Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is gaining popularity in Alberta, currently covering 1,090 ha of field crop area. In addition to improving water use efficiency, SDI can be used for nutrient management during the growing season. Current analyses of subsurface drip fertigation (SDF) are largely based in the USA for corn, soybean, alfalfa, and cotton crops. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of SDF for crops grown in Alberta, e.g. canola, dry beans. The proposed on-farm study will help producers who operate or consider SDI systems assess the cost efficiency of SDF strategies for their crops.