The University of Regina’s biology department is helping agricultural producers monitor the salinity of their ponds using a conductivity metre. “We have naturally saline soils and saline groundwater,” said Dr. Kerri Finlay, a biology professor at the University of Regina. “It can be a big problem, particularly in dry years.” The department showcased their research project at the Canadian Western Agribition on Thursday, with a focus on the amount of naturally produced salt in ground water used by cattle. These ponds are critical for feeding cattle in a province where water is often saltier than in other parts of Canada. Finlay recalls a 2017 incident when 200 cattle died after drinking overly salty water. “As temperatures rise and water evaporates, the remaining salt can make water quality problematic by July and August,” she said. “The challenge with salinity is that water can look perfectly normal, but still be unsafe.” A major contributor to high salinity is the amount of sulphate in Saskatchewan soils. Finlay and her students are now studying how to test sulphate levels when planning new dugouts. “Sulphate can create unique problems for livestock. And when other minerals are also dissolved in the water, it can add to the risk,” Finlay said. “We’re also examining blue-green algae and whether it’s producing toxic blooms.” The Ministry of Agriculture says local geology is a key factor in maintaining healthy livestock. Landowners with a premise identification number can access free water testing. “We screen samples to determine if water is safe,” said Corissa Wilcox, livestock and feed extension specialist. “If levels are high, we send samples to a lab for full analysis and provide guidance to producers about whether their water is safe.” Finlay and her students are also investigating how toxic algae blooms may affect salinity levels in Saskatchewan ponds.
