April 25, 2003

BRANDON--As part of the province’s Lake Winnipeg Action Plan, a new program to inform producers about soil testing options and nutrient management was announced here today at Rural Forum by Agriculture and Food Minister Rosann Wowchuk.

"The impact of excess nutrients on soils and water sources is a multi-source issue. Nutrient loading comes from a a variety of sources including municipal and industrial waste water, private sewage and septic fields, river-bank erosion and locations outside of Manitoba’s borders," said Wowchuk. "By providing producers with practical and sound scientific information, they are in a better position to make informed decisions about soil testing and fertilizer application techniques."

The new awareness program includes:

• distribution of a soil testing information package to be distributed at 40 Manitoba Agriculture and Food offices as well as Manitoba Conservation and municipal offices;
• development of soil testing seminars and workshops at various locations around the province this year;
• updating the province’s Soil Fertility Guide which provides detailed information on soil testing in Manitoba; and
• development of an awareness program targeted to fertilizer application in urban settings.

"With more than 1,000 soil types in Manitoba, education and information are important first steps for conveying the environmental and financial cost of over-fertilization," said Wowchuk. "A recent survey indicated that 26 per cent of farmers soil test each year, while 27 per cent test every two to three years.

"Producers know that sound environmental practices also make good business sense," said Wowchuk. "They continue to re-evaluate their crop production techniques and implement new sustainable practices."

Wowchuk noted that the Department of Agriculture and Food also supports and encourages sustainable development practices through the Covering New Ground Program.

Recently the province announced the Lake Winnipeg Action Plan which also includes:

• establishment of a Lake Winnipeg Stewardship Board;
• introduction of new measures to help protect natural growth along the Red and Assiniboine rivers to prevent erosion and reduce nutrient run-off;
• establishment of tighter restrictions on private sewage disposal systems; and
• continuation of cross-border nutrient management discussions.

"We are working with all our partners--producers, industry and municipalities--to reduce the amount of nutrients from all sources that enter Lake Winnipeg," concluded the minister.

Detailed information about soil testing is also available in Manitoba’s Soil Fertility Guide and a variety of fact sheets on soil fertility or online at:

http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture.

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