Beneath every thriving Alberta farm lies an invisible workforce of billions – the microscopic organisms that form soil microbial communities. These dynamic networks of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms transform ordinary dirt into living, productive soil that powers our agricultural success. Recent research from the University of Alberta shows that just one teaspoon of healthy soil contains more microbes than there are people on Earth, working tirelessly to break down organic matter, cycle nutrients, and create the foundation for robust crop yields.
For Alberta farmers facing increasingly unpredictable growing …

Climate Adaptation Science Centers across Alberta are transforming how farmers tackle climate challenges, providing cutting-edge solutions backed by real-world data from Canadian fields. Operating as vital hubs where agricultural science meets practical farming, these centers bring together soil scientists, meteorologists, and local farmers to develop resilient farming strategies tailored to Alberta’s unique growing conditions.
These institutions serve as bridges between research laboratories and farm fields, translating complex climate data into actionable strategies for Canadian producers. Through their work, farmers gain …

Integrate traditional Indigenous burning practices with modern regenerative farming practices to restore prairie grasslands and enhance soil fertility across Alberta’s agricultural regions. Partner with local First Nations communities to implement time-tested methods of companion planting, incorporating traditional knowledge of native species that naturally support each other’s growth and pest resistance. Adopt Indigenous water management techniques, such as strategic wetland …

Plant deep-rooted native grasses along field margins to create natural barriers that prevent topsoil loss while supporting climate-resilient farming practices. Implement contour farming techniques across sloped terrain, following natural elevation lines to reduce water runoff by up to 50% during heavy rainfall events. Install strategically placed windbreaks using Alberta-hardy trees and shrubs to shield vulnerable cropland from prevailing winds that contribute to soil degradation.
Prairie …

As Alberta’s forests face unprecedented climate pressures, adaptive silviculture emerges as a critical strategy for ensuring long-term ecosystem resilience. This science-based approach combines traditional forest management with climate-forward thinking, enabling forest managers to proactively respond to changing environmental conditions while maintaining vital timber resources and biodiversity.
Across the province’s diverse forest zones, from the boreal mixedwood to montane regions, forestry professionals are implementing innovative practices that anticipate and adapt to climate challenges. These methods focus on …

Dry continental climates shape Alberta’s agricultural landscape, presenting both unique challenges and opportunities for farmers across the province. Known for their distinct seasonal temperature extremes and limited precipitation patterns, these ‘d climates’ – technically classified as Köppen climate type Dfb – create a demanding yet productive environment for Canadian agriculture. From Medicine Hat’s sun-baked fields to Grande Prairie’s northern reaches, farmers have adapted their practices to thrive in conditions where annual rainfall typically ranges from 300-450mm and growing seasons span 100…

Dry continental climates shape Alberta’s agricultural landscape, presenting both unique challenges and opportunities for farmers across the province. Known for their distinct seasonal temperature extremes and limited precipitation patterns, these ‘d climates’ – technically classified as Köppen climate type Dfb – create a demanding yet productive environment for Canadian agriculture. From Medicine Hat’s sun-baked fields to Grande Prairie’s northern reaches, farmers have adapted their practices to thrive in conditions where annual rainfall typically ranges from 300-450mm and growing seasons span 100…