Glacier FarmMedia Discovery Farm (Langham) and the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency through its Agricultural Water Management Strategy have launched a two-year study to assess the economic and environmental considerations in draining agricultural land with an eye to maximizing agricultural productivity and reducing nutrient export in runoff water.
“The goal is to design a drainage plan that meets regulatory requirements and optimizes land productivity, while preserving ecological services,” said Blake Weiseth, Applied Research Lead at Discovery Farm.
“After construction, a field study will evaluate several management practices that are meant to reduce nutrient losses in runoff water. This will be a demonstration project that will help producers reclaim low-lying areas that are marginally productive due to periodic flooding,” Weiseth continued.
“We are very pleased to partner with Glacier FarmMedia Discovery Farm on their project,” Water Security Agency Executive Director of Special Projects Doug Johnson said.
“This represents a timely opportunity for us to work with the many experts at Discovery Farm to test and approve innovative agricultural drainage works as well as support research with different land management practices to reduce runoff. The lessons we learn will positively impact the farming and environmental communities and entire regions,” Johnson added.
Additional support for the study is being provided by the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association and the Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association.
Collaborating on the project are Dr. Jeff Schoenau, Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research Program Chair in Soil Nutrient Management at the University of Saskatchewan and Dr. Jane Elliott, Research Scientist at the National Hydrology Research Centre.
