Climate refers to the long-term patterns of weather. Even though many people associate climate change with warming, climate change effects also include changes in precipitation timing and intensity, as well as conditions that favor extreme weather events such as large hail and freezing rain.

Farming communities are among those hit the hardest by changing climatic conditions and related environmental impacts. In Parkland County, key climate hazards with the ability to impact agricultural operations include:

  • Hotter summers
  • More extreme weather
  • Water stress
  • Wildland fire and smoke

The main opportunity provided by climate changes in Parkland County is a longer growing season. However, the benefit of the longer growing season may be offset by an increase in the risk of pests, decreased water availability, and extreme weather events.

Climate-smart agricultural methods take advantage of new opportunities while minimizing the impacts of climate hazards.

Water Conservation and Retention 

Water is a necessary but limited resource and reducing water use can have a significant positive impact on minimizing the harmful effects of drought. Efficient water use helps ensure water remains available throughout the season and reduces costs for farmers. Some methods to conserve water include:

  • Use of a drip irrigation system which directs water to the root zone, reducing water evaporation, runoff, and soil erosion.
  • Irrigation during dawn and/or dusk when evaporation rates are lowest.
  • Restore, enhance, or maintain wetland areas, which filter water, store excess water during flooding, and replenish groundwater during drought.
  • Using mulching and contour ploughing to reduce water evaporation and runoff.
  • Increase the absorption and retention of water in the soil through regenerative agriculture, cover cropping, rotational grazing, and composting. 

Consider an Environmental Farm Plan. Contact the County ALUS Coordinator to learn more about Environmental Farm Plans and how you can get involved.  
Regenerative Agriculture  

Canada's millions of acres of farmland have the potential to trap and store large amounts of carbon by removing it from the atmosphere and trapping it in soil. Organic carbon in the soil improves plant growth, soil structure, and overall soil health.

Regenerative agriculture focuses on soil health by improving soil quality, increasing soil organic carbon, and reducing soil erosion. Regenerative agriculture also builds resilience to climate impacts by improving water retention, increasing biodiversity, and creating healthier ecosystems.

Some methods of regenerative agriculture include:

  • Minimizing soil disturbance through no-till or reduced-till systems. This allows beneficial organisms to do their jobs and leads to improved soil and water quality, biodiversity, reduced emissions, and increased crop yield.
  • Using regenerative grazing practices to build fertile soil and prevent overgrazing.
  • Maintaining soil cover through crop residues or cover crops, which reduces weed growth, protects the soil from extreme weather, increases retention of moisture, and minimizes soil compaction.
  • Diversifying plant species through crop rotation or intercropping to improve soil organism diversity, water quality, pest reduction, and resilience to climatic events.
  • Agroforestry, which reduces soil erosion, increases organic matter and nutrient availability, and reduces evaporation while providing sustainable food, firewood, timber, and fodder.  
New Crop Varieties  

A warming climate and increased risks of droughts and extreme weather present new challenges and opportunities for farmland. These include:

  • Growing heat-loving crops to take advantage of increasing summer temperatures.
  • Reducing the hazards of a changing climate by planting cultivars with greater tolerance to heat stress or resistance to floods, droughts, or pests
  • Breeding or developing new crop varieties more suitable to current and future climatic conditions.
Other Climate-Smart Practices 

In addition to the methods mentioned above, the following can increase farmland resilience to climate changes and hazards:

  • Utilizing firebreaks such as rock walls, roadways, and fire-resistant plants to limit the spread and impact of wildfire on crops.
  • Planting shelterbelts to reduce soil erosion and protect crops and livestock from strong winds and heat or cold conditions.
  • Adjusting planting and harvest dates to suit changing climatic conditions such as changes in number of growing days and precipitation patterns.