Assessing Replenish Nutrient Products on Forage Production and Soil Health in the Peace Country Region of Alberta

Objectives

1. Compare the impact of Replenish Nutrient products at different rates to untreated control hayland to measure the difference in soil health outcomes

2. Assess the effectiveness of incorporating Replenish Nutrient products within the farm management in improving soil health and fertility

Project Overview

We have partnered with two producers near Fairview and Brownvale to assess the response of HESO - a Replenish Nutrient product on hayland. With the help of MJ Ag Solutions, HESO was applied with a spreader at a set width as per the on-farm treatment arrangement.

Fairview Farm:

Brownvale Farm:

About the Product

HESO is referred to as a soil probiotic with the analysis (N-P-K-S) of 0-9-20-20. With natural sources of rock phosphate, potash and sulphur HESO can build soil health while providing plant-available nutrients for forage crops. Further product information, along with other products offered by Replenish Nutrients is provided here.

	Seeding Date	Fairview: May 22, 2024
	Application Date	Fairview: May 22  Brownvale: May 21
	Fairview Farm Details	Newly established hayland. The field had pre-emerge herbicide applied prior to seeding. Ag lime was applied at 3,500 lb/acre and harrowed to incorporate prior to seeding. Soil is clay loam with pH 5.6 and OM 4.9 in the 0-6” interval.
	Brownvale Farm Details	The hayland was established in 2019 with an alfalfa/hay mixture.  Soil is sandy loam with pH 6.0 and OM 2.5 in the 0-6” interval.
	Treatments	The following treatments were applied by using an Agri-Spread with widths varying between 20 to 40 ft.  T0 - Check T1 - HESO at 100 lb/acre (est $42/acre) T2 - HESO at 200 lb/acre (est $70/acre)
	Data Collection	Soils Baseline chemical and biological health Annual monitoring Forages Plant tissue Botanical composition Forage quality and yield

Observations

The 2024 crop season started out with very little to no soil moisture. Farmers were concerned with how the crop year started and spring farm activities began early.

Flagging treatments at Brownvale farm with Tender truck and spreader loading up with HESO product.

Early establishment at the Fairview farm, observing the seed rows 3 weeks after seeding.

Figure 1. Flagging treatments at Brownvale farm.

Results 

More results to come as the crop season continues. The baseline soil reports are included.