ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER SUSTAINABILITY 12 Winter wheat crops also scavenge excess nutrients. Ibrahim Mohammed, Grain Farmers of Ontario sustainability and environment specialist, says as the crop grows through the off-season, it absorbs nutrients (especially nitrogen) that tend to otherwise leach out of the soil during rainy winters, spring thaws, or both. “By capturing these nutrients, winter wheat helps prevent them from entering waterways and reduces pollution, which in turn prevents many associated problems like algal blooms,” he says. Soil covered by winter wheat also reduces the impact of spring storms by helping rainwater and spring thaw water infiltrate the soil rather than running off the surface. This reduces sediment and nutrient transport into streams and rivers, but just as importantly, it helps retain soil moisture for the upcoming crop season. “Winter wheat also improves soil organic matter and structure,” Mohammed says. “It’s a crop that produces a lot of biomass, both in roots and above-ground growth, which adds organic matter to the soil when it decomposes. This organic matter improves soil structure, increases water infiltration and storage, and supports beneficial soil organisms, all key indicators of soil health.” In addition, throughout the winter and early spring each year, the living roots of winter wheat feed soil microbes and fungi, keeping the soil ecosystem active rather than dormant. This, says Mohammed, supports nutrient cycling, carbon retention, and overall soil resilience. “In addition, unlike leaving soil bare or doing early spring tillage, the roots of winter cover crops like winter wheat break up soil compaction gently, and this helps avoid soil disturbance when conditions are wet,” he says. “This also supports long-term soil health and reduces machinery passes, which also lowers fuel use and emissions.” And finally, growing winter wheat reduces weed pressures. The dense soil cover provided by stands of winter wheat suppresses weed emergence by shading the soil and competing for nutrients and water, preventing the growth of young weeds. Mohammed says this helps reduce the need for herbicides and lowers overall chemical inputs in the cropping system. All this makes winter wheat a great option for producers and a superb choice for grain buyers looking for quality, sustainability, and reliability. • continued from page 11
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