Edmonton, ALBERTA — Profit-boosting new insights to help farms get better results under irrigation for top cash crops and more were unveiled in a recent expert session on Elevating Soil Health Through Irrigation Best Practices.

This session delivered via webinar was sponsored by Keg River and AGvisorPRO. It featured Dr. Terry Tindall, a former Senior Agronomist at J.R. Simplot Company, Dr. Charlie Sanchez, a retired Research Specialist and Professor at the University of Arizona, and Brooke Bateman, a sales and product leader with Keg River. It was moderated by AGvisorPRO CEO Robert Saik.

“Irrigation has been a game changer – allowing us to grow productive crops in places where it would not be otherwise possible,” says Saik. “But are these crops hitting their full yield potential? It turns out there is a lot of new science, knowledge and options to help us get better.

“There is also excellent tried-and-true information from the past that is still highly valuable and not applied enough. With more focus on harnessing the wealth of knowledge available, our irrigated farm production is well positioned to make a lot of gains in profitability as well as sustainability.”

Trending now: sulfur a key ‘X factor’

The experts discussed everything from the evolution of irrigation approaches and water quality challenges across different regions to soil pH and structure, nutrient availability, and how to truly elevate results through optimal utilization of elemental sulfur.

Fall application of bentonite elemental sulfur is fast becoming the option of choice for reliable, economical and high-performance results, noted the experts. Sulfur fertilizer recommendations have increased in recent years due to greater deficiencies and variability, combined with recognition by experts that sulfur has become a standout difference maker – particularly for top cash crops from canola to soybean and cereals.

Optimize irrigation to maintain soil balance

Dr. Charlie Sanchez provided an overview of irrigation approaches and challenges, covering the main systems and water sources employed in North America, as well as the need to find the right balance for crop needs and soil health – all with an eye to longer-term sustainability.

“Each crop has its own characteristic demand. Where you farm and water quality makes a difference to the management steps that may be needed, including water treatments and soil amendments. There are other beneficial uses to irrigation. It could be for managing salt, or for frost control, or for tillage for example. It can be an important tool to maintain soil balance.”

Synch systems, water amount and timing with crop needs

Terry Tindall discussed challenges growers and agronomists should keep front of mind when implementing irrigation over the long term. He noted that fortunately for the Pacific Northwest, water sources are based on reservoirs and snowpack that are reliably high quality. However, it’s important to keep on top of best practices for evolving irrigation delivery systems.

“Management is the big factor. For example, most potato production now is under center pivot irrigation. You’ve got a great opportunity with this system to deliver exactly the water you need.” Growers need to work on optimizing the water amounts applied, he says, making sure soils are well irrigated at a consistent level across fields. “It’s important to use the right amount and timing to meet the water use efficiency requirements of the specific crop you’re growing.”

Elemental sulfur strategy can be a true game-changer

The experts summed up the pivotal role elemental sulfur can play, noting today it is applied for the production of almost every high-value crop to both protect and maximize the grower’s investment.

But not all sources of elemental sulfur are equal to get the job done right, noted Rob Saik. “In addition to source quality, it’s important to have a low dust granular form – such as Keg River’s bentonite sulfur offerings – to have the best delivery for soil and crop needs.”

“The low dust aspect is key to get the sulfur through all the transportation and other handling it needs to endure before getting to the field,” elaborated Brooke Bateman. “Bentonite sulfur is an excellent vehicle. When the bentonite sulfur is applied, it gets activated by the irrigation water, the bacterial oxidation process gets underway and the delivery is very efficient, cost-effective and targeted.” There is a wide window of application timing and fall application is becoming very popular, he noted.

A video of the recorded webinar is available on Keg River TV. Keg River is an innovation-focused, high-quality manufacturer and supplier of top-quality elemental sulfur fertilizers for the North American agricultural industry, headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta. Learn more at www.kegriver.com.