Water Stewardship Information Sources

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.
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
Sub-watershed if known
Aquifer #
Comments
Project status complete
Contact Name
Contact Email