OSCIA Research and Resources

OSCIA Research Priorities

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. 

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. 

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; 
  • 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.

Visit the Applied Research Website to Keep Up To Date On:

Past Research Initiatives

Spatial Analysis of the Adoption of Nutrient Management Related Best Management Practices in Ontario, April 2005-March 2010

Read More 

Alternative Funding Models for Agricultural Stewardship Programs in Ontario

Read More 

Nutritional Quality of Perennial Forages from May to August: Impact of Delaying First Cut on Dairy and Beef Production

Read More

An Economic Comparison of Pasture Based Beef Breeding Herds and Cash Crops in Southern Ontario

Read More

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 Plan’s 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.

The Ontario Soils Calculator was developed to facilitate completing Worksheet #1: Soils and Site of the Environmental Farm Plan (https://ontariosoilcrop.org/canada-ontario-environmental-farm-plan/) . It is intended for use as part of the 2-day workshop (https://workshops.osciaportal.org/Workshop/Registration/38) . It can be used to quickly identify the potential for erosion, potential for compaction and potential for water contamination, based on the soil types found on your farm.

 

Soil Test Manager App

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
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Resources for On-Farm Research Trials

Research Do’s
and Dont’s
ONFARM
Guidebook
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