Phase 2: Marginal Land Solutions
We are using our Field Profitability and Marginality Webtool to help growers identify/confirm low-producing or marginal areas in fields, assist in conversion planning and study the effects of converting marginal acres within cropland to a perennial forage mix.
Note: Participation in Phase 1 is mandatory to be eligible for Phase 2.
42 Fields Enrolled
643 conversion acres
Room for 5-10 more farms!!
The first year of study (2026) involves sampling patch(es) of marginal areas within cropland that are enrolled for conversion to perennial forage in 2027. These areas are studied but NOT seeded the first year.
Equivalent marginal “control” areas are also enrolled and studied, but cropped normally throughout the project.​
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The second year of study (2027) involves converting the enrolled patch(es) of marginal areas within cropland to perennial forage in 2027. Guidance on seed selection, best practices, and incentive programs is provided throughout the length of the project.
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From left to right clockwise: hand probe soil sampling, an Acoustic Recording Unit (ARU) and an insect trap
Over 3 to 4 years researchers and students will conduct soil sampling, monitor beneficial insects and bird biodiversity, and measure plant productivity on the enrolled sites.
Grower precision yield data (from the combine) will continue to be collected and analyzed each year.
Research Participation Perks
Research Participation Perks
Looking for New Participants!!
If you are interested in participating for the 2027 Seeding Season please email Tamara at tamara.mcloughlin@usask.ca or click on the button below.
Accepting applications until Mar 31, 2026.
On-farm research for new sites will begin May 2026.