Oilseeds
Canola is the primary irrigated oilseed grown in Saskatchewan. Irrigation producers usually plant hybrid canola varieties because
they respond to intensive management with high yield. In the Lake Diefenbaker development area, canola is commonly cropped in rotation with cereals, potatoes and dry beans. It can also serve as a clean-up crop when herbicide tolerant types are used.
- Canola Council of Canada
- Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission
- Manitoba Canola Growers Association
ICDC projects:
- Canola Production Survey Report 2019-2021
- Seeding Rate and Row Spacing for Irrigated Canola (CSIDC) available in hard copy at CSIDC
Other Oilseeds
Flax is also grown on a significant acreage on irrigation. Flax works in a crop rotation as a good disease break crop, as it is not susceptible to many diseases. Flax works well on cereal, corn or legume stubble. Mustard is sometimes grown depending on price, but weed control is a limitation.
- Flax Council of Canada
- Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission
- Seeding Date, Rate, Spacing for Irrigated Flax (CSIDC)
Pulses
For more information on projects related to these crops check out CSIDC Publications.
Beans
Dry Beans are currently the primary irrigated pulse crop in Saskatchewan. Dry beans have been a complicated, risky and
profitable crop for irrigation growers. The crop requires specialized equipment. Production is mainly pinto beans, with some great northerns and small reds. Fababeans respond well to irrigation, but production risk and market price currently limit expansion of this crop on irrigation.
- Management of Irrigated Dry Beans (SK)
- Field Bean Production (Manitoba)
- Soybean Production (Saskatchewan Pulse Growers)
- Narrow-Row Versus Wide-Row Irrigated Dry Bean Production
Other Pulses
Dry pea, lentil and chickpea are grown on a small acreage. Peas respond well to irrigation. Lentils and chickpeas have low requirements for irrigation.
- Field Pea Production (Saskatchewan Pulse Growers)
- Lentil Production Under Irrigation (Saskatchewan Pulse Growers)
Cereals
Small-Grain Cereals
Small-grain cereals are a staple crop type in rotation with potatoes, dry beans and canola. Durum and hard wheat are the most common types grown on irrigation. Other wheat types can be profitable depending on price levels. Oats and barley are productive on irrigation and are grown for both forage and grain. The oat and barley grain price usually limits acreage.
Grain Corn
Corn acreage has been increasing lately with the combination of lower heat unit varieties and herbicide tolerance. Grain production
risk is lowered with the availability of early maturing hybrids suitable for grain corn. Optimum plant population requires use of a row crop planter. Grain corn harvest requires a corn header.