CROP YIELDS AND SOIL MANAGEMENT ON THE CANADIAN PRAIRIES, PAST AND PRESENT

Abstract

Agricultural land use and cropping statistics were examined to determine yield trends of wheat and barley since the early 1900’s. A general decline in yields of these crops occurred until the return of favorable weather and introduction of disease-resistant varieties in the mid-1930’s. Since about the mid-1950’s, yields of wheat and barley have been greater than at any previous period, and have generally been increasing rapidly during the period 1958–1978. An estimate of the contribution of modern technology to the increased yields was calculated, using 5-yr moving averages for the periods ending 1962 and 1978. Increased fertilizer use had the greatest effect on yield increases achieved. New disease-resistant varieties with improved yielding potential had a lesser effect. The impact of herbicides and improved machinery was examined but could not be effectively evaluated from available data.