OSCIA is unique from other organizations in its ability to lead on-farm applied research with guidance and support of industry partners. On-farm applied research continues to be strong, attracting farmers to participate in research projects or attend events to see the results.
OSCIA collaborates with farmers, government, industry, academia and agricultural organizations on applied research initiatives across the province. These initiatives examine best management practices (BMPs) and practical approaches to the agronomic, economic and environmental challenges Ontario farms face. OSCIA helps grow understanding, innovation and adoption of BMPs by reporting on research outcomes, creating events and useful decision-making tools for farmers. Through applied research projects, OSCIA continues to advance soil health and water quality research that directly benefits producers.Â
A research committee consisting of Provincial Directors with support from OSCIA and OMAFRA staff consult on and develop research priorities for the Association. The research committee meets annually to review and update the priorities. These priorities play a valuable role in directing where our research to where they will be most effective addressing the interests of OSCIA members
About Research and Resources
OSCIA is unique from other organizations in its ability to lead on-farm applied research with guidance and support of industry partners. On-farm applied research continues to be strong, attracting farmers to participate in research projects or attend events to see the results.
OSCIA collaborates with farmers, government, industry, academia and agricultural organizations on applied research initiatives across the province. These initiatives examine best management practices (BMPs) and practical approaches to the agronomic, economic and environmental challenges Ontario farms face. OSCIA helps grow understanding, innovation and adoption of BMPs by reporting on research outcomes, creating events and useful decision-making tools for farmers. Through applied research projects, OSCIA continues to advance soil health and water quality research that directly benefits producers.Â
A research committee consisting of Provincial Directors with support from OSCIA and OMAFRA staff consult on and develop research priorities for the Association. The research committee meets annually to review and update the priorities. These priorities play a valuable role in directing where our research to where they will be most effective addressing the interests of OSCIA members.
Role of OSCIA Research Committee:
Maintain ongoing communication with government, industry and academic partners to discuss common research interests and collaboration opportunities;
Identify research priorities as identified by the membership;
Monitor on-going research progress and work with partners to enhance knowledge technology transfer;
Assist in connecting partners for research collaboration and provide support where suitable;
Communicate research results and emerging research priorities at OSCIA Annual meeting and local SCIA meetings;Â
Identify and pursue leading-edge applied research, demonstrating ownership by direct involvement of staff and directors. On-going work includes:
Deliver OSCIA Tier 2 grants supported in part by OMAFRA
Collaborate with OMAFRA field staff
OSCIA Research Priorities:
Measuring the long-term impacts of both conventional practices and BMPs on soil health, i.e. cover cops;
Opportunities and challenges associated with controlled or contoured drainage;
Residue management and reduced tillage for crop production, soil erosion control, reduction of nutrient loss from fields;
Understanding the opportunities and challenges associated with carbon trading, and the implications of climate change;
Economics and agronomics of current and emerging cropping systems and new crop development;
Use of manure and municipal bio-products, including green bin materials and biosolids.
Make effective and environmentally sound fertility management decisions using your soil test reports
This application will provide a tool to help producers understand their soil test information, access credible fertilizer application rates and provide best management practices for nutrient management. The tool will allow producers to input their own soil test information and access fertility recommendations for specific fields and crops. It will also be a resource to help producers understand how their fertility management decisions relating to application timing, rate, placement and fertilizer form fit into a 4R Nutrient Stewardship ranking system. The ultimate goal is to demystify soil test reports and help farmers make effective and environmentally sound fertility management decisions.
Use the Soil Test Manager App to:
Load your soil test results and access fert application rates
Review BMPs for nutrient management in field and hort crops
Receive liming recommendations based on pH
Receive 4R Nutrient Stewardship ratings for N and P to inform management decisions related to application timing, rate, placement and fertilizer type
