Introduction

Field crops are produced in Ontario under diverse soil and climatic conditions. The goal is sustainable economic crop production using proven techniques that range from scouting, to soil and fertility management to tillage, planting and harvest practices. These, combined with in-field trials, help producers determine which practices warrant adoption. Good agronomic practices are essential for helping Ontario farmers produce food, fibre and fuel. Successful crop production is dependent upon many inter-related management practices. A little good luck and good weather helps too.

The Agronomy Guide for Field Crops is designed to be a technical resource for field crop production. This second edition replaces the 2002 edition. It has been updated with current Ontario research and production recommendations as approved by the:

• Field Crop Research and Services Committee
• Pest Management Research and Services Committee
• Soil Management Research and Services Committee

Sustainable production and responsible use of natural resources are considered in every aspect of the Agronomy Guide.

Some information used in the Agronomy Guide originates from other sources, including the University of Guelph, the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario, seed companies, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. universities and other research institutions. Although some data seems dated, where used, this data represents the most relevant and current knowledge available.

The Agronomy Guide for Field Crops will be available on the OMAFRA website in its entirety. On many topics discussed in this Guide, OMAFRA has far more information available than can be included here. Additional or updated information can often be found on the crops pages of the OMAFRA website at www.ontario.ca/crops.

Please note that this book does not provide recommendations regarding specific pesticide products for the control of insects, diseases and weeds. For specific information, see OMAFRA Publication 812, Field Crop Protection Guide, and Publication 75, Guide to Weed Control. Information on ordering these and other OMAFRA publications is found at the beginning of this book. Both of these publications (and any supplements to them) are also available on the OMAFRA website at www.ontario.ca/crops.