The Glenlea long-term rotation: 10 years of organic vs. conventional crop production

M. H. Entz, S. M. Humble, J. W. Hoeppner, N. J. Holliday, A. Moulin, A. Schoofs and K. C. Bamford

Abstract
Established in 1992, the Glenlea rotation 1) compares the biological and economic performance of conventional, low-input and organic rotations, and 2) tests the interaction between crop rotation and crop input use.

Three rotations (mainplots) include wheat-pea-wheat-flax; wheat-clover-wheat-flax; and wheat-alfalfa-alfalfa-flax; flax serves as the test crop at the end of each rotation cycle. Each mainplot is managed using organic, conventional and low-input systems (subplots). Performance of each system is evaluated based on 8 sustainability indicators.

The alfalfa hay-containing rotation had the fewest pests, highest flax yields, highest energy use efficiency, and required the fewest crops inputs compared with other rotations. Number and diversity of ground beetles, on the other hand, was greatest in those plots with the most weeds (e.g., annual rotation with no inputs). After 10 years, limitations to organic production include phosphorous mining in the alfalfa-based rotation, Canada thistle in the clover green manure-containing rotation, and wild mustard in all rotations.

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Author Locations and Affiliations
Department of Plant Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2; Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Brandon Research Centre, Brandon, MB, R7A 5Y3.
Corresponding author: mentz@cc.umanitoba.ca


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