67-3 Developing an Agricultural Soil Health and Conservation Strategy for Ontario, Canada.
See more from this Division: SSSA Division: Soil and Water Management and Conservation
See more from this Session: Soil and Water Management and Conservation Oral II
Abstract:
Agricultural practices have changed, affecting soil health and conservation. Forage crops have declined dramatically since 1921, pasture area decreased by 78.7% and hay area by 44.9%. Annual crops take up a growing proportion of the landscape, growing from 28% of crop/pasture area in 1976 to 57% in 2011. Crop rotations are becoming simpler over time. Tillage appears to be increasing in most areas, but statistics and data are ambiguous. Soil organic matter continues to decline overall, with 82% of farmland continuing to lose soil organic matter annually. Soil erosion risk has improved over time, but appears to have stalled in recent years. 57% of farmland continues to be at risk of losing soil at a rate higher than is sustainable. Public sector resources devoted to soil conservation has changed significantly with reduced availability compared to previous decades.
As a result of these concerns, a Soil Health and Conservation Strategy is being developed to ensure agricultural soils are sustainably managed for the long-term. A collaborative approach is being used to develop the strategy and ensure that farm organizations, farmers, conservation agencies and government all have a stake in the outcomes and in delivery. A working group of stakeholders has been assembled to guide the development of the soil strategy. The strategy will address four theme areas: Soil Management; Soil Information and Mapping; Soil Monitoring and Modelling; and Soil Knowledge and Innovation. The strategy will build on existing extension, education, research, and incentive programs.
See more from this Division: SSSA Division: Soil and Water Management and Conservation
See more from this Session: Soil and Water Management and Conservation Oral II