Impact of Fall N Applications on Yield and Winter Survival of Canola.

The objective of this project was to 1.) Evaluate the conventional wisdom dictating that excessive Nitrogen (N) inputs contribute to excessive early season growth and an increased incidence of winter kill in winter canola (Brassica napus L.) produced in the southern Great Plains, and 2.) Determine the optimum total N application rate (preplant and top dress). This work focuses on evaluating winter survival and yield for N rates ranging from 0-134 kg N/hectare at fall preplant, spring top dress, and split applications for the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 production seasons. This work was conducted at 4 different sites in KS under no-till conditions. Preplant profile nitrate soil tests at 60 cm depth were taken at each location. Plots were evaluated prior to bolting to establish number of plants per meter­². All plots were mechanically harvested and grain yields were adjusted to 9% moisture. Results indicate that fall N does improve winter survival as indicated by plants per meter² and improved resulting yield.