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In the coming weeks before freeze-up, farmers have a great opportunity to increase profitability in their fields by rehabilitating weedy or saline acres. Dormant seeding perennial forages is a proven solution.

“Dormant seeding can be very successful when implemented correctly,” says Jenai Buchanan, a marginal areas specialist with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). “And for areas suffering from excess moisture each spring, the fall months could be your one opportunity to take action.”

Marginal acres make up a significant portion of production land on the Canadian prairies. DUC sustainable agriculture research scientist Sam Robinson, in collaboration with the Prairie Precision Sustainability Network (PPSN), estimates 13 acres in every quarter section. That’s 7.3 million acres of marginal farmland in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta which remain unproductive despite fertilizer, crop protection products and careful management.

“These consistently low-yielding acres really don’t pay,” says Robinson. “On average, prairie farmers lose about $68 per acre trying to grow annual crops in these areas. But perennial forages are another tool in a farmer’s toolbox to turn underperforming acres into productive forage while reducing weed pressure and input costs.”

Timing is critical when planting perennial forages in the fall. Dormant seeding must be done when the soil temperature is below 5 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, a temperature spike from either warm days or early snow insulating the ground can lead to premature germination and extensive winterkill.

“Seed heavy and use a diverse mix,” advises Buchanan. “A late spring frost can impact establishment, so seed up to 30 percent heavier to account for potential losses. We also find a seed

blend with several grasses and legumes improves the success rate.”

DUC offers incentives to farmland owners ready to tackle marginal acre problems including kochia and salinity. A bonus discount is available when sourcing seed through Nutrien and additional incentives may apply for land financed through Farm Credit Canada. Contact the DUC representative in your area to calculate total payments. In Manitoba, the Marginal Areas Program is funded in part by the Conservation Trust, an endowment fund providing sustainable, long-term financing for conservation in the province.

In addition to financial incentives, DUC provides one-on-one agricultural extension support including seed mix selection and establishment advice. Farmers can see best practices for establishing forages in hard-to-manage areas at the research and demonstration farm north of Brandon operated by Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives.

Buchanan says patience is key when rehabilitating marginal acres. The goal is to get the ground covered with competitive perennial forages that will outcompete weeds and fill in bare patches. Saline-tolerant forages can take two to three years to fully establish and some touch-up seeding may be required.

“When dormant seeding or touching up in the spring, we recommend using a seed drill for the best seed-to-soil contact,” says Buchanan. “If broadcasting or droning, you should do a harrowing pass afterwards to cover the seed. Don’t plant deeper than three quarters of an inch. Anything deeper can reduce emergence and plant counts.”

With patience and sound agronomy, dormant seeding of marginal areas can be successful.

For more information or to contact DUC, please visit ag.ducks.ca