Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (ISH) will partner with DhaliwalFarms Ltd. to test new biological remediation solutions for salt damaged soil which is reducing the yield ofhigh value organic crops. The Institute has expertise with beneficial soil microbes and natural plant growthpromoters resulting from its own research and its partnerships with companies in the region. Such natural andbiological solutions are required for organic farms. Rising salt levels in productive soils is a challenge facingagriculture world-wide but it is more acute in coastal areas such as the Fraser River delta, where the impactswill be compounded by rising sea levels and climate change. This project will compare the response of plantsin salt damaged and undamaged soil areas of one field, to various treatments with new natural and microbialsoil amendment products. It is expected that some products or combinations, will result in significantimprovement in crop health and yield. The company will benefit from the expertise of Kwantlen to address ayield challenge to help them meet the increasing demands of the organic market for their products. Kwantlenwill benefit from expanding its ability to work with local small and medium sized businesses in its region.Students will benefit from the opportunity participate in applied research and to experience a food securitychallenge relevant to the new reality of climate change.