Annual Crops

Our focus at SARDA Ag Research is on conducting applied research to benefit local producers and industry. We give our producers an advantage by collecting and transferring knowledge from our trial plots. We take risks and evaluate the research so the producers don’t have to.  For example, we explore new varieties, technologies, methodologies, and novelty crops. We assess soil health and conditions in Northern Alberta. We are in a unique position in the north because although our growing season is shorter, we have a geographical advantage that provides 17 hours of sunlight each day during the growing season.  As a result, our grain crops often exhibit unique characteristics such as higher oil content, longer fibres, and concentrated Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids.  Our research focuses on increasing productivity, profitability, sustainability, and the environmentally sound agricultural industry in the Peace Region.

Surendra Bhattarai and Shelleen Gerbig are SARDA Ag Research’s primary Research Team members working on crop-related research. Click on team members to see their biographies.

Surendra’s projects include the following:

• Intercropping
• Industrial Hemp Trials
• Lupin Trials – adaptability, forage intercropping, seed intercropping
• Maximizing Feed Barley Yield and Minimizing Lodging
• Industry Trials
• Soil Amendment Trials – lime, gypsum, wood ash
• Peace Region Living Lab small plot Trials
• Regional Variety Trials (RVT) – wheat, barley, oats, Faba Beans, peas
• Forage Seed Production Trials – PGR, fungicides and fertility

Shelleen’s Projects include the following:

• Wheat Seeding Rate Trial
• Wheat Fertility Trial
• Beta Glucan Oat Trial
• Peace Region Living Lab Field Scale Trials
• Water quality testing Program
• Extension