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The Soil – Where It All Starts

According to Doug Young, Soil Specialist with the University of Guelph, the soils of southwestern Ontario are among the most productive soils of central Canada and the mid-western United States, and are ideally suited for the production of seed corn. In Essex and Kent counties, there are three principal soil subregions with clay loam, loams, and silt loams. “These soils have excellent fertility, they drain rapidly and hold large amounts of available moisture for crop growth, resulting in minimized drought risk,” states Young.

The soils of Southwestern Ontario are ideally suited for the production of seed corn.
Doug Young, Soil Specialist
University of Guelph

Southwestern Ontario soils generally have a neutral soil pH, which is supportive of high yields and high cation-exchange capacity, allowing excellent soil nutrient storage. These soils have high organic matter content that is conducive to a variety of soil bacteria and earthworms. Organic matter also aids in plant nutrient retention and improved drainage.

In addition, the soils of Essex and Kent counties have good load-bearing capacity to provide support of all production equipment in wet conditions, which is key in meeting seed corn production timelines.

  • Seed Corn Prices (Click date for prices)

    • Seed Corn Prices for Thursday, April 9, 2020

  • Trusted News On The Go

    The views and opinions expressed in articles shared below are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Seed Corn Growers of Ontario.

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  • About the SCGO

    Our principal mandate is to work with the individual seed corn companies to negotiate production contracts that not only make our growers competitive, but also provide incentives to produce excellent seed.

    We work to ensure that our growers are provided with the best information and programs to maintain and broaden their seed corn production skills.

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    825 Park Avenue West
    Chatham, Ontario
    N7M 5J6

    Phone: 519-352-6710
    Fax: 519-352-0526

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