Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency Program Plan
Alberta’s Climate Change Strategy positions Albertans to be the leaders in using energy effectively and efficiently. RTL will seek to further the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by transforming how we use energy, applying energy efficient solutions and conserving energy. Over the next two and one-half years RTL will focus some of its resources on the following goals.
Goals and Key Objectives
Goal 1 – Energy conservation: reduce the amount of energy used
1.1 Establish baseline data on energy/fuel/herbicide use in direct and conventional seeding systems.
1.2 Increase the adoption of direct seeding systems in annual crops.
1.3 Increase the adoption of direct seeding systems in forage crops.
1.4 Establish baseline data on energy/fuel/herbicide use in low disturbance, low draft seeding systems.
1.5 Develop calculators for farmer use.
1.6 Document co-benefits of no-till.
Goal 2 – Energy efficiency: do more with the same amount of energy
2.1 Establish baseline data on energy efficiency in direct and conventional seeding systems.
2.2 Investigate and demonstrate new technologies to reduce the loss of ammonia in manure application.
2.3 Develop calculators for farmer use.
2.4 Establish baseline data on energy/fuel/herbicide use in variable rate technology.
Data will be developed and sorted according to cropping systems and soil zones.
Outcomes
3.1 Farmers will be recognized for the environmental benefits they are providing.
3.2 Develop useful tools for estimating farm fuel use.
3.3 Increase adoption of direct seeding.
3.4 Create benchmarks for fuel use.
3.5 Determine if some direct seeding systems result in substantial energy savings.
We are seeking farmers who can fill a survey on their field operations and fuel, fertilizer and pesticide use. The attached pdf can be downloaded, filled in and faxed (780 422-0474) back to us or contact one of the agronomists.
We are also looking for farmers that would help us measure actual fuel use on a quarter or two for a full cropping cycle – spring through fall. Please contact an RTL agronomist if you are interested.
