Hybrid varieties have changed the way we grow canola in Western Australia.
These new varieties have enhanced chemical and disease resistance and higher yielding traits that have made canola a profitable cropping rotation for growers.
Higher yield targets have raised questions around nutrition. Are higher fertiliser rates, or different timing and placements required to realise these higher potential yields?
CSBP, Pacific Seeds, and Crop Circle ran a large collaborative plot trial at Tenindewa to investigate nitrogen requirements (rate, placements, timings) of two canola varieties: Hyola 410XX (Hybrid) and Bonito TT OP (Open Pollinated).
The trial was established on a fertile red loamy sand. Soil pH, potassium and phosphate levels were all relatively healthy however soil organic carbon levels were low in the topsoil.
*NB. $Profit assume $850/t for both GM & OP Canola, Oil 48%, Nitrogen cost $2/kg
Results
Key Messages
• Nitrogen rate was the driver of yield. Timing and placement had less impact.
• 101kg/N banded at seeding as Flexi-N was the most profitable strategy in both varieties.
• Banding Flexi-N at seeding did not impact seedling emergence or yield. Banding Flexi-N can assist with managing in-season logistics especially in high N demand seasons
• High yields in both controls may be explained by good early season soil moisture resulting in increased soil N mineralisation.
• Hyola 410XX out yielded Bonito TT by an average of 300kg across all rates, timings, and placements.
