(Abstract not available.)

Rangeland Health Brochure 7, page 6

Crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.) is an introduced grass used extensively for rangeland revegetation in the semiarid and arid regions of western North America. The long-term effects of crested wheatgrass on soil properties and plant community were evaluated on 5 grazed sites in the southern interior of British Columbia, Canada, Each site included plant communities of native bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) Scribn, & Smith) and 14- to 60-year-old stands of crested wheatgrass, Soil samples and plant data were collected in June 1997, Species numbers were similar for native and crested wheatgrass rangelands, while the diversity index of crested wheatgrass rangeland was lower due to lower evenness. Crested wheatgrass and native grasses were observed to produce similar amounts of root biomass, Most soil properties were similar under the 2 rangelands. One of the exceptions was soil carbon at 0–7.5 and 7.5–15 cm depths, which was higher on crested wheatgrass than native rangeland. Soil nitrogen at 15–30 cm depth was also higher on crested wheatgrass rangeland, Greater soil penetration resistance was observed at 7.5 and 9 cm depths on crested wheatgrass than native rangeland, Higher soil compaction was caused by grazing of crested wheatgrass earlier in the season when soils are wetter relative to the native rangeland, The results of this study indicate that seeding of crested wheatgrass combined with the long-term grazing by cattle did not result in the degradation of soil properties, but plant diversity was reduced relative to grazed native, bluebunch wheatgrass rangeland.

Journal of Range Management, volume 53, issue 3, pages 353-358

aggregate stability, bluebunch wheatgrass, penetration resistance, prairie, root biomass

(Abstract not available.)

Farmwest.com

This case study explores the commercial development of black huckleberries (Vaccinium embranaceum Dougl.) in the Kootenay region of British Columbia. Black huckleberries have a long history of human and wildlife use, and there are increasing demands on the resource in the region. Conflicts between commercial, traditional, and recreational users have emerged over expanding the harvest of this non-timber forest product (NTFP). This case study explores the potential for expanding huckleberry commercialization by examining the potential management and policy options that would support a sustainable commercial harvest. The article also reviews trends and issues within the huckleberry sector and ecological research currently conducted within the region.

Journal of Ecosystems and Management, volume 11, pages 52-61

british columbia, forest ecology, forest economic development, forest management, huckleberries, non-timber forest products, wildlife

Climate change can affect the range and distribution of species. Due to the very nature of
invasive plants (e.g., fast growth and competitively dominant), it is possible that future changes
in climate may have a disproportionately larger affect on non-native invasive plants. The purpose
of this study was to test the effects of climate change on two invasive grassland plants (spotted
knapweed and yellow toadflax) in a field experiment and a greenhouse study. This Final
Technical Report comprises two sections: 1. The field experiment ‘A comparative analysis of
biotic and abiotic parameters between a native bunchgrass community and two non-native
invasive dominated patches, spotted knapweed and yellow toadflax’, and 2. The greenhouse
experiment ‘The effects of warming and drought on competitive performance of two non-native
invasive and two native grassland plants’.

native grasses, grass composition, greenhouse study, range, invasive plants, grassland,

Thesis on the comparison of the influence of pre-commercial thinning and fertilization on forage and timber values in three managed lodgepole pine forests in Interior British Columbia.

agroforestry, thinning, lodgepole pine, range, fertilization

Summary information on native agriculture producers throughout the Cariboo-Chilcotin. The profile was compiled with a great deal of input from native ranchers as well as band staff. 

First Nations, Agriculture, profile,

Review of birch industry developments.

birch, agroforestry, syrup

The BC Forage Council conducted the variety trials (2009-2012) to provide producers with data on new forage varieties, so producers could select the most suitable varieties for their specific agronomic conditions. The study established four research sites across the Cariboo-Chilcotin, and tested new varieties of perennial grasses and legumes, as well as non-traditional legume crops sainfoin and birdsfoot trefoil, and varieties of annual crops. This factsheet focuses on the legume trial results of the study.

forage, legume, variety trials, hay, alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil, sainfoin, cicer milkvetch, clover

In agriculture, soil quality is assessed through its capacity to support high, sustainable yields, and mitigate pests and disease. Producers have a strong understanding of the chemical aspect to soil health (e.g. nutrients, pH, CEC, etc.), but measuring physical and biological traits of soils can provide the whole picture, and help explain plant growth issues or concerns. The Soil Quality Test Kit can provide the support that is needed to make this link; the kit was first developed by the USDA for use in annual cropping systems in Iowa. To determine which aspects of the kit would be most valuable to local producers, UNBC researchers partnered with producer associations to test the kit in predominantly perennial systems throughout the Bulkley Valley (2015) and in the Peace River (2015- 2017). This factsheet outlines how these test kit might be adapted for use in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region.

soil health, test kit, soil biology,

The goal of the research was to provide information that will help all growers with tomato production in Quesnel and in the north, thereby opening doors for future projects centered on small-scale food production in the region. Horticulture and agriculture are becoming increasingly viable and important in our region, and there is currently a lack of scientific research specific to northern regions around the best practices and viability of commercial tomato production in unheated greenhouses.

tomatoes, heirloom, greenhouse, horticulture

(Abstract not available.)

Family-owned and operated Jayendee Farms is a 20-acre farm in Abbotsford with a 300 sow, farrow-to-finish hog operation with approximately 2,500 animals on the farm. In order to utilize manure generated from the hog operation, 17 acres of the farm was planted to a short rotation, intensive-culture hybrid poplar (Populus spp.) plantation in 2002. The trees are planted at a 14-foot spacing and the lower canopy has reached a height that allows for the planting of shade-tolerant plants in the understory. So, with diversification and sustainability of their operation in mind, Jayendee Farms, in partnership with the Abbotsford Soil Conservation Association and funding assistance from the BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative, tested additional agroforestry options by introducing landscape and floral crops in the poplar alleys. In addition to demonstrating the sustainable utilization of hog manure with an agroforestry system, their new venture will determine optimum plant species for integration in a poplar plantation fertilized with hog manure, and will provide education to other producers through tours and awareness materials.

agroforestry, hog manure, intercropping, poplar

2006 census of agriculture profile for BC, census agricultural regions, census divisions, and consolidated census subdivisions.

Cariboo GDP review.

(Abstract not available.)