Beneficial Management Practices: Environmental Manual for Crop Producers in Alberta Now Available

“We developed this particular manual to ensure that all of the producer groups were addressed, and had the necessary information available,” explains Karen Cannon, Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture (AESA) program manager with Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. “BMPs improve a farm’s soil, water, air and wildlife habitat resources. They contribute to a farm’s overall sustainability and to the farm family’s quality of life,” she says. “These practices also benefit the environmental health of the surrounding landscape and communities.”

There is a wide range of beneficial management practices (BMPs) suited to crop production in Alberta, and for farms to remain productive, environmental quality has to be taken seriously. This manual contains chapters on environmental considerations, cropping practices, storage, handling and disposal of agricultural inputs, post-harvest crop storage, energy inputs, wildlife habitat, community relations and legislation.

Some of the specifics include practices to prevent soil erosion, such as wind, water and tillage, and other important soil factors such as organic matter, salinity, pH and compaction. “We also address water quality issues and the potential for soil erosion to increase the risk of soil particles and inputs to move off the landscape into streams and cause pollution,” explains Cannon. In the irrigation section, we address efficient water use, drainage considerations and ways to reduce salinity.

“Wildlife habitat is an important part of biodiversity, and there are different practices, types of crops, riparian management and others that can be incorporated into environmental stewardship to protect biodiversity,” says Cannon. There are other practices that can affect air quality and greenhouse gas production, such as manure handling, tillage practices and residue management. The manual addresses several other aspects of crop production.

“There are many different practices that are considered beneficial, and some of these practices will suit one farm better than others,” says Cannon. “Therefore, producers can adapt the management practices to make it the best they can for their farm.” Aimed at producers who are striving for excellence in environmental stewardship, the manual goes beyond basic legal requirements and provides additional information so that producers can customize their management practices and operations.

The manual, which has been divided into chapters for easier access, is available online at: www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex9483. Copies of the manual are also available free of charge by calling Alberta Agriculture’s Publications Office at 1-800-292-5697.

For more information, contact Karen Cannon

Other Articles From the Spring-Summer 2005 Issue of Alberta Conservation Connection