August 7, 2003

 

Researchers Seek Wiser Ways to Fertilize Canola

Although tradition might suggest that nitrogen should be applied to canola fields either before or at the time of planting, new research indicates that split application may be better, according to Eric Eriksmoen, agronomist at the NDSU Hettinger Research Extension Center.

"A few years ago, research completed in Canada indicated that canola takes up most of its nitrogen about 30 days after emergence," Eriksmoen says. With this knowledge, researchers at the NDSU Research Extension Centers in Hettinger, Minot, Carrington and Langdon Research decided to investigate the potential of split application fertilization.

At each center, canola is grown under three different treatments. The standard is a plot treated with nitrogen only at the time of planting. The second plot is fertilized at planting and the remaining nitrogen is spread over the crop at the 3- to 5-leaf stage, 20 to 30 days after emergence. The final plot is treated at planting and the remainder applied at the time of bolting, about 45 days post-emergence.

Within each treatment method, different amounts of fertilizer are tested (ex. 33 percent at planting and 66 percent at bolting and visa versa).

After analyzing two years of data, Eriksmoen notes that with split application, yields have increased by as much as 30 percent without increasing the amount of applied nitrogen. This jump was seen when the second application was made at the 3- to 5-leaf stage.

Researchers saw increases in yield at all locations with this method; however, no advantage was evident when the second application was made at bolting.

In all scenarios, Eriksmoen stresses how critical timely rainfall is to the fertilization process. Results, of course, vary accordingly.

Seeing definite potential, NDSU researchers will continue to pursue fertilization recommendations by refining the split application process. Eriksmoen considers their trial a pursuit for producer "risk management tools."

He explains that canola growers can reduce production costs by evaluating the plant stand before deciding whether full fertilization is worthwhile. Canola is a relatively expensive crop to grow that has many natural enemies and nitrogen applied at seeding is nitrogen lost when pests and bad weather prevail.

Consequently, Eriksmoen says that their research is very practical for producers. He is excited to develop new nitrogen recommendations for North Dakota, with hope that canola growers will have the assistance needed to minimize risk and maximize yield.

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Source: Eric Eriksmoen, (701) 567-4325, eric.eriksmoen@ndsu.nodak.edu
Writer: Teresa Oe, (701) 879-6270, teresa.oe@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, thomas.jirik@ndsu.nodak.edu

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