Agriculture drives Canada, with almost 280,000 people employed nationwide as of 2022. But, with resource availability becoming more limited, incorporating agronomy into farming practices has become more important than ever. Farming operations rely on the comprehensive management of resources, including land, water, and soil, in order to remain productive despite growing demand.
Keep reading to learn more about how agronomy can help farmers in Alberta and Saskatchewan with crop performance, plant nutrition, and more with Norstar Agriculture.
What is Agronomy?
Agronomy is the science of resource management in the field of sustainable agriculture.
It encompasses various important resource practices, including land mapping, soil analysis, crop rotation and fertilization, nutrient management, and more. Agronomists deal with various crops and utilize various science-backed strategies to help farmers increase productivity while maintaining environmental resource conservation.
Impact Beyond the Fields
Agronomy’s importance goes beyond farming and has seen greater adoption over the years. As the world continues to be impacted by key modern issues such as climate change and water scarcity, agronomy has become more crucial. Here are several key benefits to utilizing agronomy practices that positively impact farmers and communities everywhere.
Higher Crop Yields
In today’s world, more and more people are suffering from food insecurity every day. In 2023, close to 282 million people in 59 surveyed countries experienced severe levels of food insecurity. This number continues to rise yearly, with more and more people needing assistance with food access.
Agronomists recognize this important, pressing global issue and participate in efforts to directly address it by maximizing crop yields with given resources. Ensuring consistent crop productivity is key, especially given deterrents such as pests and weeds. By teaming up with agronomists who utilize science-backed methods to develop personalized agriculture strategies, farms can produce optimal crop yields.
At Norstar Agriculture, we have a team of talented mobile agronomists who provide personalized assistance to farmers across the Canadian prairies. We use advanced cultivation assessments, including soil pH and salinity testing, to develop tailored, comprehensive plans.
Improved Soil & Crop Fertility
Maintaining soil health is complex, requiring time and effort to ensure it’s suitable for crops. Different factors, from wind speeds to the time of year, can constantly affect soil health. Soil inputs, such as fertilizer, primer, and conditioner, also play a significant role in crop production. The right soil amendments can positively impact soil health, whether by changing pH levels or increasing micronutrient availability.
Industry-leading brands like OMEX sell innovative, sustainable products that support key agronomy practices. OMEX’s Canola Primer is beneficial for germinating canola, with highly concentrated key nutrients essential for crop growth. Agricultural primers support seed germination with vital nutrients, reducing water and fertilizer inputs and the need for re-seeding.
Sustainable Water Management Practices
With water scarcity issues affecting up to 3 billion people yearly, sustainable water management practices are more important than ever. However, water conservation can be challenging to achieve, given varying water needs between crops and changes in rainfall. Farmers partnering with agronomists can utilize various sustainable water management practices depending on their needs. For example, algorithms based on water usage patterns can be integrated with automatic irrigation systems.
Your Sustainable Farming Consultants
For farmers in the Canadian prairies, Norstar Agriculture is your trusted partner for soil consultations, field trials, and agriculture advising. We’ve treated over 47,000 acres in Alberta and Saskatchewan, combining environmental science with technology to create holistic agricultural solutions. Contact us today for expert soil balancing techniques or pH management—our experienced team is here to help.
