2
monoculture cereal comparison plots were fertilized with
50
per cent of the recommended cereal rates. Peas were
seeded at 75 per cent of their recommended seeding rate
and cereals at 50 per cent when in mixtures. The
monoculture cereal comparison plots were seeded at
100
per cent of the recommended seeding rate.
Test yield categories
The defined range for each test yield category is provided
in tons per acre. Variety yields are reported as average
yields in Low, Medium and High test yield categories for
comparison with the check variety for productivity regimes
and environments that may be anticipated. Varieties
statistically higher (+) or lower (–) yielding than the
standard check are indicated. No symbol after the yield
figure indicates that there is no statistical difference.
Caution is advised when interpreting the data with respect
to new varieties that have not been fully tested.
To make effective use of the yield comparison tables,
producers first need to decide if their target yield for the
season fits within the Low, Medium or High test yield
categories. It should be noted that the indicated yield
levels are those from small plot trials, which are often
15
to 20 per cent higher than yields expected under
commercial production.
Also remember that yield is not the only factor that affects
net return. Be sure to consider the other important
agronomic and disease resistance characteristics. The
genetic yield potential of a variety is often masked by
various crop management factors, some of which can be
controlled.
Site information
There were 12 test sites across Alberta, representing
various agrological zones. Sites were located near Castor,
Stettler, Fort Kent, High Prairie, Evansburg, Hanna,
Manning, Fairview, St. Paul, Stony Plain and Neerlandia.
The Fairview site only seeded the barley trial.
Maturity, plant height and lodging were not measured in
the trials as it was felt that most have already gone
through the Cereal Regional Variety Trial (RVT) program
and have been reported on extensively.
Nutritional analysis
Nutrition was assessed using wet chemistry analysis. Full
nutritional analysis was done on each sample; however,
only six nutritional categories are reported: crude protein
(
CP), total digestible nutrients (TDN), which is an
estimation of energy, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P),
potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg).
Prepared by
Alex Fedko
Co-ordinator RVT/Crop Research Technologist
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
More information, contact
Alberta Ag-Info Centre
Call toll free 310-FARM (3276)
Website:
www.agriculture.alberta.ca
01/14/200