With the healthy amount of rainfall this summer in the southwest corner of the province, the Westman Agricultural Diversification Organization (WADO) soybean protein study may not have as stark a difference as last year in comparing the irrigated and the non-irrigated test plots.
The federally funded study is focused on determining why soybeans grown in the prairies has a lower level of protein compared to other regions.
Applied Research Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, Scott Chalmers, the wet start to summer lasted into July and they finally turned on the irrigation in August, adding a simulation of 3 inches of rainfall on the irrigated side of the trial.
“This project has a dry component and a wet, irrigated component, so we’re hoping the 3 ½ extra inches of moisture in August makes a difference,” he explains, “and hopefully we’ll be seeing some difference there between the two sides.”
Chalmers notes last year they saw a 2% difference between the irrigated and the dry side, with protein levels being significantly higher in the irrigated side.
“I would say we're probably expecting a less of a margin this year because it wasn't as dramatically dry as it was last year in 2023. But again, it's always fun to take a look at the two as there are things to be learned when you do test trials like that.”
“I always think it's the wet years that we see the most differences in research, and it's usually related to fertility or something like that,” he adds. “So, we're excited to dive into the statistics here in the wintertime and tell the whole story.”
Related Story: "For the most part I'd say we had a perfect year down here in the south corner," Scott Chalmers WADO
For test plot results, visit the WADO website HERE!