Captain’s Blog from Vulcan, Alberta NW 12-18-23 W4

Reported by Lieutenant Milo

Star Date: 2010-06-06

The seeding season has been challenging in the area surrounding Vulcan.  Severe weather patterns have dropped moisture in the form snow several times in the past three weeks.  At the point of these observations it was noted that there was still snow in the ravines of the Buffalo Hills, approximately 10 km north of the landing site.

The AdFarm InVigor canola landing site is a well drained piece of land with a natural water run migrating from the north east corner to the middle of the piece.  The soil is mellow and has no crusting due to the excessive moisture.  This is likely due to the fact that the previous crop was peas and the land has been continuously cropped for many years.   Distant history has this landing site receiving large quantities of hog manure, the effects of which can still be seen from space.

June 6^th observations see new life forms beginning to emerge from the soil surface.  Oldest emerged hybrids are still in cotyledon stage, while many are just below the soil surface awaiting more normal seasonal solar activity.

There is no evidence of feeding from Psylliodes punctulata on any of the field margins or near the grassy depression.  The crew will continue to monitor.

Competitive species of plants are not in evidence at this time.  It is speculated that a timely application of glyphosate prior to introducing the hybrid to its new home is the reason.  Application of subsequent foliar products will likely not occur for at least 10 days.

Included in this log is a visual capture of the landing site as well as the first emerged hybrid species.

First emerged hybrid species.

What do you think will be the biggest early-season threat to the AdFarm Alberta InVigor canola crop?