Apr 22, 2016PEI growers recognize National Soil Conservation Week
This week (April 17 -23) is National Soil Conservation Week in Canada, and as potato farmers across Prince Edward Island are gearing up for spring planting, they are making soil conservation a priority on their farms.
According to the Prince Edward Island Soil and Crop Improvement Association, 2016 is the thirtieth year of concentrated efforts by farmers and government to protect our valuable soils through programs that fund the construction of soil conservation structures such as terraces, berms and grassed waterways. Additionally, promotion of beneficial practices such as strip cropping, winter cover cropping, residue management, and retirement of sensitive land have all been essential to preventing the erosion of rich topsoil from farmers’ fields, the association said.
According to Greg Donald, General Manager of the Prince Edward Island Potato Board, Potato farmers recognize that it is essential to conserve soil and build soil quality to ensure the economic and environmental sustainability of our industry. In addition, the industry is funding research being conducted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada into the further use of fall cover crops, spring nurse crops, and residue tillage to prevent soil erosion and promote soil health. “
A large number of Island farmers are expanding their efforts to enhance soil conservation and soil health. Among them are Darren and Brenda Peters of Maple Plains, who were recognized earlier this year with a 2016 Soil Conservation Award from the PEI Soil and Crop Improvement Association for their efforts to conserve and improve the soils on their farm. Additionally, the Hogg Family of Klondike Farms in Wilmot Valley was recognized with the PEI Federation of Agriculture’s 2016 Gilbert Clements Award for Sustainable Agriculture due to their efforts to prevent soil erosion and improve soil health in their fields.
“
