• Protecting Water and Farmland in Simcoe County

Farmers encouraged to build windreaks to protect soil and improve yield

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In Water
Jan 11th, 2012
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Free workshop provides expert guidance
News release from the NVCA – January 11, 2012
Farmers can reduce expensive losses caused by wind and water erosion by planting trees in key locations in a formation known as a windbreak. A free workshop teaching farmers the value of windbreaks and how to construct them will be held on January 18 in Alliston, hosted by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).
Windbreaks do exactly what they say – break the rush of wind over farmland, preventing loss of topsoil, seed and plants.
“Windbreaks work their magic by improving soil moisture as well as soil and air temperatures, and decreasing evaporation and wind speed,” says Shannon Stephens, Healthy Waters Program Coordinator with the NVCA. “Research has consistently shown that using windbreaks results in higher crop yields, earlier planting, faster germination, earlier flowering, better pollination and reduced pesticide spray-drift.”
Windborne soil is not only a loss for farmers; it also winds up in lakes and streams, where ingredients such as phosphorous can damage the habitat of fish, insects and other water-dwellers. Windbreaks can improve the quality of water far downstream from where they are planted.
The workshop will have national, provincial and conservation authority experts presenting on all aspects of windbreaks to increase understanding of their value and to provide expert advice on how best to construct and cultivate them over the long term. Speakers will include: André Vézina, Agroforestry Specialist; Dr. John Kort, Shelterbelt Biologist and Agroforester; Brad Peterson, Environmental Management and Landscape Architecture; Nathan Munn, Forestry Specialist with the Grand River Conservation Authority; and Dr. Jason Deveau, Application Technology Specialist with OMAFRA.
Members of the farming community are encouraged to register for this free seminar by contacting Ryan Post of the NVCA at 705-424-1479 or rpost@nvca.on.ca.

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