Influence of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Application On Dryland Camelina Sativa Seed Yield.

The desire for energy security and cleaner environment has stimulated interest in biodiesel as an alternative fuel source. Previous studies have shown C. sativa to be an alternative dryland oil-seed crop for partial replacement of summer fallow in wheat production systems in Wyoming. Information on fertilizer management in dryland camelina is limited. The study objective was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen and phosphorus application on C. sativa yields and oil content. Treatments were four N rates (0, 22.5, 45 and 90 kg N ha^-1) and three P rates (0, 34, and 68 kg P ha^-1) arranged in a completely randomized design. Preliminary results in 2011 showed that P fertilization had no significant effect on camelina yields. However, N application significantly increased camelina seed yield. Addition of 22.5 kg N ha^-1 increased camelina yield by 10% (797 kg ha^-1) compared to the control plots (727 kg ha^-1).  Seeds yields were 927 kg ha^-1 and 1015 kg ha^-1 when N was applied at 45 and 90 kg N ha^-1; this represents yield increase of 28 and 40%, respectively, compared to the control. It is worth mentioning that the yield differences between treatments that received 45 and 90 kg N ha^-1 were not statistically different.  Based on the preliminary data, N fertilization at 45 kg N ha^-1 will be sufficient for camelina production on drylands in southeastern Wyoming and other central high plains regions with similar moisture regimes.