A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). If you require further information, regarding this report, call the Elora Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm. For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA website: www.ontario.ca/omafra
April 10, 2020
AGRONOMY GUIDE FOR FIELD CROPS – PUBLICATION 811
This publication is a comprehensive guide to field crop production. The latest recommendations on all aspects of producing field crops are included. Information on tillage options, soil management, variety selection, seeding, fertility, harvest, storage and more make this an important tool for a better bottom line. Descriptions of crop problems and more than 200 colour photos help with quick diagnosis. Diagnostic guides and scouting calendars make this publication a useful resource.
Introduction
Field crops are produced in Ontario under diverse soil and climatic conditions. The goal is sustainable crop production using proven techniques that include: scouting and pest management, soil and fertility management, tillage, variety selection, planting and harvesting practices. These techniques also take into consideration the responsible use of natural resources. These, combined with in-field trials, help producers determine which practices warrant adoption. Good agronomic practices are essential for helping Ontario farmers produce food, fibre and fuel. Successful crop production is dependent upon many inter-related management practices. A little good luck and good weather helps too.
Publication 811, the Agronomy Guide for Field Crops is designed to be a technical resource for field crop production.
This third edition replaces the 2009 edition. It has been updated with current Ontario research and production guidelines as approved by the Ontario Soil Management Research and Services Committee (OSMRSC), which is represented by researchers, industry, producers and extension staff.
Some information used in the Agronomy Guide for Field Crops originates from other sources, including the University of Guelph, the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario (IFAO), seed companies, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. universities and other research institutions. Data presented in this publication — both new and old — represents the most relevant and current knowledge available.
The Agronomy Guide for Field Crops is available in its entirety, on the OMAFRA website. Additional or updated information on many of the topics discussed throughout this guide can often be found on the crops pages of the OMAFRA website at ontario.ca/crops or at fieldcropnews.com.
Publication 811 is a companion to Publication 812, Field Crop Protection Guide – http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub812/p812toc.html
The downloadable pdf file for Publication 811 Agronomy Guide for Field Crops is found here – http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub811/pub811.pdf
