|The Crop Diversification Centre South (CDCS) is located in the semi-arid shortgrass prairie region of southeastern Alberta, where temperatures range from|
-40 to +39° C.
Annual precipitation averages 300 mm, with rainfall averaging 150 mm during the growing season. The combination of irrigation, an average of 2,400 bright sunshine hours together with a long-term average growing season of 137 days, provide excellent conditions for plant growth.
|CDCS operates four farms; Lendrum Farm (Head Quarters site), McLeod Farm, Ponderosa Farm and the Bow Island Sub-station. There is 10,500 sq.ft. of laboratory space (including growth chambers, seed laboratory, chemistry laboratories, food science laboratories and plant pathology and entomology laboratories).|
Lendrum, McLeod and the Bow Island Sub-station are equipped for irrigation.
|Crop Diversification Centre South|
301 Horticultural Station Road East
Brooks, AB, Canada T1R 1E6
For further information about CDCS, contact Stewart Jangula.
|CDCS is home to the Greenhouse Research and Production Complex. The production greenhouses comprise and area of 39,800 ft2 (3700 m2). This includes two Glass greenhouses, each 8600 ft2 (800 m2) and two Poly greenhouses 7,540 ft2 (700m2). Each of the four bays has automated growth and environmental monitoring, nutrient recirculation, carbon dioxide enrichment, artificial lighting, fog system, hanging gutters and drip irrigation and energy curtains. The intent of these houses is to apply greenhouse principles and research results on a commercial scale. |
|The research greenhouses are comprised of 10 glass covered compartments each 754 ft2 (70m2) totalling 11,800 ft2 (1096 m2). Of these 10 compartments, one is a level 2 bio-containment compartment equipped with air conditioning and a hepa filter system. Each compartment has artificial lighting, fog system, rolling benches, energy saving curtains, evaporative coolers, insect screens, positive air pressure and drip irrigation. The intent of these research bays is to provide space for innovative greenhouse research projects for the industry.|
In 1935, the Canadian Pacific Railway had losses of $400,000 in the “eastern section”; the Headquarters Farm was turned over to the Provincial Government. Since 1935, CDCS has played a key part in aiding in the establishment and further expansion of agricultural and horticultural industries in Alberta.
Research and Extension Programs At CDCS
Walking Tour Guide of Grounds at Centre
CDCS Rose Garden Guide
CDC South contributions to Horticulture industry in Alberta