The following is being sent on behalf of Martin Entz,
Professor of Cropping Systems and Natural Systems Agriculture:
_________
Dear Biodiversity Colleagues,
Here is a message from Martin Entz inviting you to participate in the UM's Natural Systems Agriculture Tour. On-line and in-person
options available, so register now (see poster for details).
July and August are some of the busiest times in the agricultural calendar. There are many opportunities to see the fantastic
research being conducted in our province, and indeed across the country. Plus, summer time is beautiful in Canada - and we all look for opportunities to take a well-deserved vacation.
But let me pitch the Natural Systems Agriculture field day to you. This half day field experience is taking place a mere 20 km south of the
city. You will see and experience things that no other field day in Manitoba (or indeed Canada) offers. Take this image below (left; taken July 24, 2023 for example). It shows the 32nd consecutive organically produced flax crop - grown in rotation
with wheat and alfalfa. How is it possible that a crop which we characterize as non-competitive with weeds seems to be functioning so well even though no synthetic fertilizer or pesticide has been added for over 3 decades? MSc student, Laetitia Mukungu will
explain. She is bringing her microscope to the field so that participants can see the beneficial fungi responsible for allowing the flax to punch above its weight.
The image on the right -shows one of our three restored Prairie plots being burned this spring. One of the tour features - the Glenlea long-term
experiment - compares conventional no-till, diverse and organic cropping systems to a Prairie grassland - that was established at the outset of the study over 30 years ago. When we think about "Nature-based solutions", this Prairie serves as an important ecological
benchmark.
These are just two of the attractions at the Natural Systems Agriculture field day. Most of the agroecological research that will be featured
(see attached poster) involves graduate students - from departments of Plant Science, Entomology, Soil Science and Animal Science. Come learn from and support these individuals.
Please register today and see you on the 1st!
Martin Entz
Martin Entz, Professor of Cropping Systems and Natural Systems Agriculture
University of Manitoba. 204 474-6077
The UM Natural Systems Agriculture research group uses https://www.atmosfair.de/en/ to
offset C emissions.
The University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis
Nation. We respect the Treaties that