The index of direct seeding factsheets provides a brief summary of each factsheet and a link to the factsheet and/or pdf. Some are dated but contain excellent information, especially for those new to direct seeding.
General
Direct Seeding Systems: Terms, Definitions and Explanations (revised April 1999)
Direct seeding is a relatively new approach and it uses some new terms. Not everyone uses these terms in the same way. This factsheet provides definitions and explanations for the terms used in the Direct Seeding factsheet series.
Making the Move to Direct Seeding (revised Nov 2008)
The change to direct seeding is a change to a different cropping system. It requires a new approach to crop residue, weed and fertility management. If you plan to direct seed into standing stubble here are a few things to keep in mind.
Seed Row Spacing and Seeding Rates in Direct Seeding (1998)
Seed row spacing and seeding rates must be considered carefully when switching to direct seeding. This factsheet relates four important crop growth factors to decisions on row spacing and seeding rate.
Estimating the Value of Crop Residues (1999)
Crop residues - straw plus chaff - are the by-products of harvesting annual grain crops. This factsheet describes the agronomic and economic value of crop residues as some undesirable effects of residues.
Crop Rotations in Direct Seeding (2000)
Crop rotations are essential in direct seeding systems. An effective crop rotation is required to reduce diseases, insect pests and weeds. It can also help in managing crop residue.
Disease
Controlling Wheat Diseases in Direct Seeding Systems (revised May 1999)
Disease control in wheat requires good agronomic practices whether conventional or direct seeding systems are used. This factsheet describes the influence of tillage on wheat diseases and tips for establishing a healthy wheat stand.
Controlling Barley Diseases in Direct Seeding Systems (revised July 1999)
Disease control in barley requires good agronomic practices whether conventional or direct seeding practices are used. This factsheet describes the influence of tillage systems on barley diseases and provides tips for disease control in a direct seeding system.
Controlling Field Pea Diseases in Direct Seeding Systems (1998)
Whether in a direct or conventional seeding system, close observation of the pea crop for disease throughout the growing season is essential. Several economically important diseases can affect field peas.
Equipment and Residue Management
Residue Management for Successful Direct Seeding (revised August 1999)
Crop residue management is essential for successful direct seeding. This factsheet outlines the most practical ways to manage crop residue.
Handling Difficult Crop Residue Conditions (1996)
High crop yields and unusual weather often leave hard-to-handle crop residue. This factsheet describes practical ways to manage difficult residue conditions.
Equipment Issues in Crop Residue Management (revised Nov. 1999)
Uniform distribution of straw and chaff is essential in direct seeding systems. The most practical way to manage crop residue is with the combine. This factsheet looks at factors that influence spreading and the key equipment that can get the job done.
Solving the Wheel Track Dilemma in Direct Seeding (1997)
Wheel track problems in crops usually result from temporary soil compaction caused by heavy wheel loads on fragile, moist soil surface in the spring. This factsheets explains how wheel track damage can be eliminated most of the time at little or no cost to the farm.
Anhydrous Ammonia Use at Seeding (1998)
Farmers are interested in adding an anhydrous ammonia system to their one-pass direct seeding planter systems. This factsheet describes all the things you need to consider to safely and effectively put together an anhydrous ammonia system.
Ground Opener Systems (1999)
The key equipment issue in direct seeding is ground opener selection. This factsheet describes what a ground opener must do, ground opener types, ground opener operation, tips for selecting ground openers and tips for operating ground openers.
Forages and Sod Seeding
Removing Forages from the Rotation in a Direct Seeding System (revised April 1999)
Direct seeding an annual crop into a forage crop terminated from the rotation has been successful under research and field conditions. This factsheet describes techniques for removing the forage crop and considerations for seeding the following annual crop.
Insects and Pests
Controlling Wildlife Damage in Direct Seeding Systems (1997)
Wild animals invade crops to fulfill needs such as food and protective cover. Converting a field from conventional tillage to direct seeding changes the habitat characteristics of the field. This factsheet describes direct seeding effects on wildlife damage and outlines control options.
Controlling Canola Insect Pests in Direct Seeding Systems (revised May 1999)
Insect pest management in canola requires field scouting and accurate, frequent monitoring regardless of whether conventional or direct seeding systems are used.
Soils and Fertility
Soil Temperature and Direct Seeding (revised May 2005)
Spring soil temperatures are often cooler under direct seeding than conventional tillage. However, research shows this does not usually affect crop yields if good direct seeding practices are followed. Factors affecting spring soil temperatures, soil temperature and crop growth, and establishing a healthy crop stand are discussed.
Soil Quality and Moisture Conservation Benefits of Direct Seeding (1996)
Direct seeding crops into standing stubble can enhance soil quality and moisture conservation by reducing the detrimental effects of tillage on soil. This factsheet describes the benefits of direct seeding in relation to increased water infiltration, increased seedbed moisture, enhanced soil organic matter and better soil erosion control.
Weed Control
Pre-seeding Weed Burndown in Direct Seeding (revised April 2007)
Weeds can be highly competitive if they establish before the crop. You can switch the advantage to the crop by controlling weeds before seeding. This factsheet describes the herbicides needed, weeds controlled and appropriate timing for pre-seeding weed control in direct seeding systems.
Control of Winter Annuals in Reduced Tillage Systems (revised August 2006)
Winter annual weeds can be effectively and cheaply controlled in direct seeding systems. This factsheet explains what winter annuals are, strategies for control and herbicide options.
Perennial Weed Control in Direct Seeding Systems (revised April 2004)
The extent and type of perennial weeds in direct seeded fields will depend on crop types, tillage practices, herbicides used, weed seed bank and potential infestations from outside sources. This factsheet outlines control options for some of the common perennial weed problems found in Alberta.
Control Narrow-leaved Hawk's-beard in Reduced Tillage Systems (revised August 2006)
Recently, Narrow-Leaved Hawk's Beard has been troublesome in direct seeded annual crops and chemical fallow fields. This factsheet describes the weed and control options for use in direct seeding systems.
Downy Brome Control in Direct Seeding Systems (revised December 2004)
Downy brome can be a troublesome weed in fall-seeded crops and in direct seeding and other minimum tillage systems. This factsheet briefly describes downy brome's characteristics and discusses control options.
Foxtail Barley Control in Direct Seeding Systems (revised April 1999)
Foxtail barley is a tough-to-control perennial weed in zero tillage systems. This factsheet briefly describes foxtail barley's characteristics and describes control options.
Yellow Toadflax Control in Direct Seeding (revised June 2004)
Toadflax can be troublesome in direct seeded fields. This factsheet describes toadflax's characteristics and discusses options to prevent and control infestations of this weed.
Control of Canada Thistle and Perennial Sow-thistle in Direct Seeding Systems (revised May 2004) Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense L.) is a common problem on Alberta farmland, regardless of the type of tillage system used. Infestations of 15 to 20 shoots per square metre can reduce wheat yields by as much as 36 per cent. Perennial sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis L.) is a problem on Alberta farmland, regardless of the type of tillage system used. In Saskatchewan, perennial sow-thistle densities of 10 shoots per square metre reduced rapeseed yields by 18 per cent.
Dandelion Control in Direct Seeding Systems (revised June 2006)
Dandelion is among the toughest weeds to control in a direct seeding system. Control relies on good crop competion and timely application of systemic herbicides. Various options are available for control of dandelion seedlings, while mature dandelions are much harder to control.
Controlling Quackgrass in Direct Seeding Systems (2000)
Quack grass (Elytrigia repens) is a competitive perennial weed. It spreads rapidly by seed or underground stems (called rhizomes) and can be difficult to control. Without control, quack grass has the potential to spread rapidly. This factsheet describes quack grass and outlines control options to reduce yield losses in direct seeded cereal and oilseed crops.
