One of the stand out projects of the Marginal Areas Program of 2024 was with a producer who decided to seed 34 dryland corners to perennial forage. Dryland corners are those areas of the field that are not reached by regular irrigation. They are known for lower production, higher weed pressure, greater soil compaction, and less drought tolerance compared to the irrigated portions of the field. This producer partner was able to realize the benefits that come with establishing perennial forages in marginal areas alongside their annual cash crops.
MAP is delivered by Ducks Unlimited Canada in partnership with Pheasants Forever Canada. It is a great tool for finding harmony between sustainable agricultural production and conservation.
It’s important that Alberta farmers make a living on their land. Seeding perennial forages in marginal areas such as dryland corners increases the producers bottom line by:
- Reducing annual crop input costs associated with annual cash crops.
- Increasing plant competition with weeds, eventually choking them out.
- Increase soil cover to reduce topsoil erosion.
- Using moisture during shoulder seasons and reducing surface runoff.
- Providing habitat for beneficial crop insects such as pollinators.
- Providing a buffer zone from neighboring fields.
- Provide an annual source of income through hay or grazing.
The established forage stands also provide on-farm conservation value through:
- Increased dense cover for upland birds.
- Nesting habitat for waterfowl.
- Winter food sources for ungulates and upland game birds.
- Expanded travel corridors along fence lines and field edges.
- Increased landscape connectivity between isolated habitat patches.