Unlocking the Power of High Carbon Crop Rotations: A Prairie Farmer's Roadmap to Resilient Agriculture
In a changing climate and an increasingly input-conscious farming world, high carbon crop rotations are emerging as a key strategy for sustainable agriculture. At a recent webinar hosted by SaskSoil, agronomist and farmer Troy LaForge shared valuable insights from his own farm’s transition to high carbon systems. His experience offers actionable strategies and fresh data for producers across the Canadian Prairies.
Watch the Webinar Here: How to and Considerations for Adopting High C Systems
What Is a High Carbon Crop Rotation?
High carbon systems prioritize crop choices that leave behind residue with a high carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio—such as wheat, barley, rye, and corn—both above and below ground. These residues break down more slowly, building soil structure, supporting microbial life, and improving long-term fertility.
Two components define a high carbon system:
Above-Ground Inputs – Crops like wheat (C:N ratio ~80:1) and rye (up to 82:1) generate lasting residue that acts as soil armor, suppressing weeds and reducing moisture loss.
Below-Ground Inputs – Root systems of deep-rooted crops like alfalfa and wheat extend deeper than shallow-rooted pulses, injecting carbon into the subsoil and improving soil aggregation and water infiltration.
Why Move to High Carbon Rotations?
1. Boost Yields—Even in Drought or Excess Rain
LaForge cited research from Dakota Lakes Research Farm showing yield improvements between 60% and 100% for winter wheat in high carbon systems, depending on precipitation levels. Notably, the difference was greatest in both extremely dry and extremely wet years—making these systems ideal for climate resilience.
2. Weed Suppression and Reduced Herbicide Use
Fields with a dense surface mulch (like standing barley stubble) demonstrated dramatic decreases in kochia and wild oat pressure. In LaForge’s case, his Clearfield durum on barley stubble needed no wild oat herbicide—saving time and money.
3. Enhanced Water Infiltration and Retention
Thick straw mulch buffers the impact of raindrops, preventing surface sealing and runoff. On LaForge’s farm, snowmelt infiltration improved significantly after transitioning to high residue systems, helping recharge soils even after small storms.
4. Cooler Soils and Improved Nutrient Availability
In replicated trials at Gull Lake, residue-treated plots showed soil temperatures 2–3°C cooler than bare plots—critical for microbial health and nutrient cycling. More residue = less evaporation = more nutrients for your crops.
5. Increased Organic Matter
Soil samples from LaForge’s farm showed increases in soil organic matter from 1.4% to over 2% since 2009, with noticeable acceleration after implementing high carbon strategies. “It feels different when you dig,” he said—softer soils with better tilth and moisture retention.
Examples of High Carbon Rotations for Prairie Farms
LaForge suggested several prairie-ready rotations that optimize high carbon inputs while remaining agronomically balanced:
Oats → Wheat → Canola
Winter Wheat → Barley → Flax
Canary Seed → Durum → Lentils
Millet → Barley → Peas
Wheat → Barley → Mustard/Flax
Barley → Wheat (Clearfield) → Chickpeas
These combinations strategically stack cereals before broadleafs, maintaining weed and disease control while enriching soil carbon.
Overcoming the Challenges of High Carbon Systems
Transitioning isn’t without obstacles. LaForge highlighted the following challenges and solutions:
Seeding into heavy residue: Invest in disc openers like the K-Hart undercut system and consider angled seeding or RTK GPS for better row placement and germination.
Spraying through stubble: Dense straw can block herbicide contact with weeds. Higher water volumes (10 gal/acre or more), quality surfactants, and timing are critical.
Corn and C4 crop integration: C4 crops like corn have high carbon outputs but require specialized planting equipment and heat units. LaForge has begun testing grain corn in no-till systems using a dedicated planter and row cleaners.
Tips for Tracking Progress
To measure gains in soil carbon and rotation effectiveness, LaForge recommends:
Annual soil sampling for organic matter and structure changes.
Hands-on assessments—dig test holes and check how easy the soil is to work.
Long-term rotation planning to maintain consistent carbon flow.
Final Thoughts
Building a high carbon rotation takes patience, experimentation, and adaptability. But as LaForge’s experience shows, the long-term benefits—in yield, input savings, and soil health—are worth the effort.
“It might take a few years to see those carbon increases really spike, but once they do, your fields will respond in a whole new way.”
Want to Learn More?
SaskSoil offers workshops, webinars, and hands-on field days across the province. Sign up to receive our newsletter today at sasksoil.ca and start building your high carbon system for tomorrow’s farm.
