Environmental Sustainability in Agriculture KTT Event: Nov 24, 2014
Research to action: healthy soil and water
About the event:
There are many people working on the complex issue of healthy soil and water within agricultural systems. Changing systems (agricultural and ecosystems) mean that as new problems emerge, new solutions are needed. The evolving issues are complex and need new knowledge for continuous improvement. Research results coupled with practical, on the ground experience, can provide new insights leading to both economic and environmental solutions that meet society’s needs and expectations.
On November 24th, 2014 the Environmental Sustainability in Agriculture Research to Action KTT Event was held in Guelph. It focused on exploring the new and emerging evidence-based, knowledge about healthy soil and water in Ontario’s agricultural landscape and creating solutions. Eleven presentations were given on topics that increased understanding of many of the diverse healthy soil and water topics in agriculture.
On this website you will find videos and write-ups of the presentations, photos, background documents and reports, and more.
During the event participants identified specific healthy soil and water opportunities and challenges and current tools. With their extensive knowledge regarding the challenge of reducing soil and nutrient losses, they contributed to outlining solutions to reduce soil and nutrient losses on agricultural lands in Ontario. The solutions generated fell under these topics i) focusing on the adoptions of crop and land management practices, ii) considering solutions on the landscape using a systems approach for measurement and data analysis, iii) using a system process for programs and policies, iv) exploring the communications and social behavior change lens and v) focusing on the social and long term economics aspects of the topic.
The healthy soil and water topics that were highlighted included:
- What influence do land management decisions have on productivity and input efficiency – Dr. Bill Deen, University of Guelph:
- Using historical nutrient management research to optimize future crop production systems – Dr. John Lauzon, University of Guelph
- Measuring what happens to the soil and phosphorus that are applied to farms – Dr. Merrin Macrae, Waterloo University
- Using Soil health metrics to create a soil health report card for farmers and the public – Adam Hayes, OMAFRA
- Longevity of structural BMPs and innovation in measurement tools – Craig Merkley, UTVCA
- Nutrient application decisions have significant effects on farmland contributions to surface water quality – Chris Van Esbroeck
- Cover crops are one method of improving soil health and pre-planning will increase production and environmental success – Anne Verhallen, OMAFRA
- With so many potential project types presenting alternatives to landowners is a necessity – Tracey McPherson, ABCA
- Mapping tools for soil erosion BMP placement – motivating action – Anne Loeffler, GRCA
- Data and models, combined, help tell the story of future and past agri-environmental decisions helping us to understand how we can make a difference – Mari Veliz, ABCA
- Considering social behaviour and decision making- Jacqui Empson Laporte, OMAFRA
Definition of Healthy soil and water:
In agricultural systems land and water are maintained or improved such that their ongoing (current and long term) productivity and resiliency provides economic, social and ecosystem benefits.
Challenge:
This research to action event will use knowledge to explore solutions to this challenge:
The challenge is to minimize soil and nutrient loss.
Environmental Sustainability in Agriculture- Knowledge to Action KTT 