Citation | Kowalenko, CG, Schmidt, O and Hughes-Games, G. 2007. Fraser Valley soil nutrient study 2005: A survey of the nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium contents of lower Fraser Valley agricultural soils in relation to environmental and agronomic concerns. The Canada - British Columbia Environmental Farm Plan Program. |
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Organization | Agriculture Canada |
URL | http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/EnviroFarmPlanning/FV_SoilNutrientStudy/_FVSNS-CombinedReport_Feb28_2007_for_Release.pdf |
Abstract/Description or Keywords | Soils within the Fraser Valley of British Columbia are among the most fertile in Canada, attracting a diverse range of agricultural production. Optimal crop production in the region requires adequate fertilization, which is supplied by a combination of inorganic fertilizers and animal manures. As livestock density within the region has increased and land use practices have shifted towards intensive horticulture production, census based nutrient balance models have pointed toward nutrient surpluses within the region. However, there has been a lack of scientific data that quantifies soil nutrient concentrations on a regional basis and by crop type. Under the guidance of the BC Nutrient Management Working Group, this study was undertaken during the cropping season of 2005 to determine soil nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium status of agricultural soils in the Lower Fraser Valley. This timing means that current Environmental Farm Planning and Beneficial Management Practice program activities would not have had time to impact the study results. The study was designed to create a baseline data set to monitor the effectiveness of Agriculture Policy Framework activities, including the Canada-British Columbia Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Program and its Nutrient Management Planning subcomponent. Agencies expect to use the results of the study to help ensure that current and future environmental programs best address environmental needs. A related objective was to develop new testing procedures for assessing environmental risk associated with soil nutrient concentrations. It was also anticipated that the results of the study would complement the Regional Agri-Environmental Scan completed in early 2003 and provide more detailed input into other APF activities such as NAHARP (National AgriEnvironmental Health Analysis and Reporting Program). The study was authorized by the BC APF Environment Chapter Working Group. Cash funding for the project totalling approximately $123,300, came from the following government agencies: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada ($77,500), Environment Canada ($23,000) and BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands ($22,800). This Executive Summary outlines some of the key findings from the full scientific report originally prepared by Dr. Grant Kowalenko, titled Preliminary Report On A Survey Of The Nitrogen, Phosphorus And Potassium Contents Of Lower Fraser Valley Agricultural Soils In Relation To Environmental And Agronomic Concerns – which now forms the main body of this document. |
Information Type | report |
Regional Watershed | Lower Fraser |
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Project status | complete |
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