Soil Nutrient Studies
Soil nutrient studies have been conducted for agronomic and environmental purposes, in three regions of British Columbia: Hullcar Valley (2016), the Lower Fraser Valley (2012 and 2005), and the Okanagan-Similkameen Valley (2007).
2016 Post-Harvest Nitrate Study: Hullcar Valley
Highlights
- In the fall of 2016, 40 agricultural fields over or near the ‘Hullcar Aquifer 103’ were sampled
- Post-harvest nitrate test (PHNT) values were high or very high in 38% of the fields sampled, medium in 43% of the fields, and low in 20% of the fields
- Average PHNT was 113 kg N/ha among annual crops (primarily corn), 54 kg N/ha among perennial crops (primarily alfalfa)
- The study is ongoing; the next step is to determine how much post-harvest nitrate potentially leaches between growing seasons
- The anticipated completion date of the study is the end of May 2017
Read the full progress report:
- Post-Harvest Nitrate Study - Progress Report (PDF, 1.4MB). Updated February 2017
- Post-Harvest Nitrate Study - Questions and Answers (PDF). New
Individual field results:
- Post Harvest Nitrate Study - Individual Soil Test Results (PDF, 1 MB). New
Previous Studies
- 2012 Fraser Valley Soil Nutrient Survey (PDF, 1.2 MB)
2012 Fraser Valley Soil Nutrient Survey - Results by Crop Group:
- Blueberries (PDF)
- Raspberries (PDF)
- Field Vegetables (PDF)
- 2007 Okanagan Agricultural Soil Study (PDF, 1.1 MB)
- 2005 Fraser Valley Soil Nutrient Study (PDF, 1.5 MB)
