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, e.g. cover crops;
Explore optimized tillage system in crop production to maximize profit and minimize environmental impacts;
Enhance residue management systems in crop production to enhance benefits to productivity and soil health.
Measure the impact of different aspects of agriculture in carbon cycling;
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
Improving Delivery of the Environmental Farm Plan Soils and Site Evaluation Worksheet
The Environmental Farm Plan (https://ontariosoilcrop.org/canada-ontario-environmental-farm-plan/) (EFP) program in Ontario has been delivered since the mid-1990s as a self assessment for farmers to identify opportunities to reduce environmental risk on the farm. The Assessment of the Delivery of the Environmental Farm Planâs Soils and Site Evaluation Worksheet report summarizes research and engagement findings to improve the delivery of the EFP Soils and Site Evaluation worksheet, as well as the Farmland Health Check-Up (https://www.farmlandhealthcheckup.net/) (FHCU) Soil and Slope Information sections.
