Field Research
Field trials evaluate agronomic practices affecting flax establishment and growth, total yield, fibre yield and quality, and production reliability under Atlantic Canadian growing conditions.
Read MoreAgronomy Research
Research Program
The Agronomy research team at Dalhousie University focuses on developing practical, research-based solutions to improve flax fibre yield and quality in Atlantic Canada.
We conduct applied field research for Atlantic Canadian growers focused on cover crops, weed management, fertility optimization, and climate resilience. Our research combines Dalhousie campus trials and Advanced Grower Network on-farm trials across the Atlantic region.
This work integrates field and controlled environment trials to evaluate how management practices and environmental conditions influence crop performance and fibre outcomes.
Lab & Growth Chamber Research
Controlled environment studies use growth chambers to test the impact of temperature and moisture stress on flax growth, plant development, and fibre production.
Read MoreKey Findings for Growers
Through our trials in 2024 and 2025, we have found that we can successfully grow flax for fibre production with good yields in Nova Scotia. However, performance varied tremendously among research sites. The timing of rain early in the season had an impact on how quickly seeds germinated at different seeding depths. This in turn affected the plant stand and influenced stem thickness. Heat stress during the season stressed some plants and extended their flowering period. Soil fertility, particularly nitrogen supply, had an important impact in boosting yield, but also produced thicker stems and coarser fibres. As these results were obtained in 2025, a drought year, we look forward to building on these observations in 2026.
To access final reports including a summary of research outputs from the 2025 season, please follow the links below
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Ongoing and Upcoming Trials
Seeding Method, Seeding Rate and Fertility Trial
This field trial will evaluate how combinations of seeding method, seeding rate, and fertilizer application influence flax growth to determine the most efficient and economical combination for producing optimal fibre length, strength, and fineness.
Integrated Management Trial
This field trial will look at how rainfall at different seeding times, using different seeding methods, affect flax establishment, growth, and fibre development.
Fertilizer Type Trial
Organic fertilizers are largely produced from recycled byproducts or minimally treated mineral sources. This field trial compares organic and conventional fertilizer sources applied using broadcast and row methods at different fertilizer rates to assess fertilizer rate impact, crop growth response, and identify practical fertility strategies.
Heat Stress Trial
Heat stress during plant growth and flowering can trigger plant responses that affect how fibre develops in the stem. This growth chamber trial investigates how temperature and soil moisture conditions influence flax growth and fibre development during the stem elongation phase.
Engagement &
Outreach Activities
The Agronomy team engages growers over the course of the season through field days, collaborative on farm trials, flax processing demonstrations, annual grower gatherings, and community presentations. These activities provide opportunities to solicit first-hand experience and feedback from growers, support knowledge exchange along the flax fibre value chain, and share findings from on-farm and lab trials.
If you would like to participate in a research demonstration or event, please reach out via the Contact Us page.
Flax is a beautiful slender plant that produces incredibly strong natural fibres that can be extracted simply by hand. The Agronomy team is excited to share this experience as an educational tool to create awareness about sustainable natural fibres as well as sustainable crop production.
Resources
To access additional resources including tools for growers, networking events and activities, and additional research materials in alignment with the Flax Fibre to Fabric Project, follow the links below:
- North American Linen Association (NALA) ↗
- Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada, Dalhousie University ↗
- Perennia ↗
- Organic Nova Scotia ↗
- Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN) ↗