Crusting: Leave it be, hope for the best

Only the few lucky seedlings that happened to be under a crack made it through this crust.
Only the few lucky seedlings that happened to be under a crack made it through this crust.
The bent top on this seedling indicates crusting trouble.
The bent top on this seedling indicates crusting trouble.

With cycle of high moisture and then a few days of dry, crusting is an issue in parts of Eastern Saskatchewan in particular. Canola seedlings can’t penetrate the crust, and often curl back and die. No research has been conducted to show the best ways to break up crusting and free the crop. If a few plants have emerged, it may be best to leave them be. For tips, read the updated article.