SASKATCHEWAN RECOGNIZES NATIONAL SOIL CONSERVATION WEEK

Saskatchewan is recognizing the 20th anniversary of National Soil Conservation Week, April 17th to 23rd, in conjunction with the Soil Conservation Council of Canada.

The province possesses nearly one-half of the agricultural land in Canada. Therefore, it is critical to create a sustainable and productive agriculture industry, where healthy soil systems can sustain healthy food production in harmony with the environment for future generations.

"Preserving one of Saskatchewan's most precious natural resources – its soil – is an important part of a green and prosperous economy," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said. "The success of soil conservation efforts in Saskatchewan has been achieved through tremendous commitment and teamwork across the province by farmers, associations, researchers, equipment manufacturers and industries, as well as government."

Great strides have been made in soil conservation over the years. In 1991, 10 per cent of Saskatchewan's cropped land was in zero-till; 26 per cent was in minimum-till, and 64 per cent was in conventional-till, with about 14 million acres in summerfallow.

By comparison, the 2001 census indicated that 39 per cent of Saskatchewan's cropped land was in zero-till; 29 per cent was in minimum-till, and 32 per cent was in conventional-till, with 7.8-million acres in summerfallow. Zero till involves direct seeding with low soil disturbance. Minimum till involves moderate soil disturbance when seeding, while conventional till disturbs the soil several times prior to seeding. Summerfallow leaves the land idle for one year between crops.

Wartman noted that, in addition to exceptional soil conservation, the continued promotion of reduced tillage through direct seeding practices has been, and will continue to be, a contributing factor to the success of many Saskatchewan manufacturers of direct seeding equipment that is being exported around the world.

In 2004, the downward trend in summerfallow continued, with only 6.1 million acres – a further decrease of nearly 22 per cent in just three years. Results from the 2006 Census are expected to demonstrate continued progress.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-4031