New SSCA Journal to Launch in June

What makes this new web-based journal unique? The key feature is that the contributors of the major articles are well known researchers who will synthesize the research on a particular topic area. They then have the opportunity to speculate on what the research means, offering their opinions on the interpretation of the results and on additional research that may be required. Articles on relevant topics related to production and management will also be included.

The goal of the journal is to become a handy resource and reference document for a broad audience including western Canadian farmers, consumers and other stakeholders in the agricultural industry. As the journal matures, the SSCA is anticipating it won't be just the farmers who subscribe to the journal but all those with a genuine interest in prairie agriculture.

The focus of the inaugural edition is Agriculture and its Impact on the Environment. Five major topics will be addressed including Agriculture and Greenhouse Gases; Soil Organic Matter on the Prairies: Implications for the Environment; Agriculture and Energy Use on the Prairies; Agriculture as a Source of Energy Generation: Is it sustainable?; and Is Our Food Safe?

A web-based agricultural journal containing articles from researchers is a rather novel idea. The SSCA Board of Directors will be interested in what you think about the journal. If you are able to attend the Farm Progress Show, please drop by the SSCA booth to take a look at this new source of good information. Your comments will be heard! More details on subscribing to the journal will be available in the summer.

Article: Nitrous Oxide Emissions and Prairie Agriculture

Authors: Reynald Lemke¹ and Rich Farrell²

Summary: Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is powerful greenhouse gas and is involved in stratospheric ozone destruction. Thus the ever increasing amount of N₂O entering the atmosphere due to human activities is a serious environmental concern. Combustion of fossil fuels and certain industrial processes are partially responsible for the build up of atmospheric N₂O, but agricultural activities, most particularly emissions from agricultural soils, are by far the largest source. This article describes how prairie agriculture contributes N₂O to the atmosphere and identifies some possible strategies at the farm gate that can help minimize those emissions.

¹ Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. 51 Campus Drive. Saskatoon, SK. S7N 5A8. lemker@agr.gc.ca