Development of a Yield Prediction Model and Sensor Based Nitrogen Calculator for Winter Canola Grown in Oklahoma.

As the acres under canola production increase and producers gain more experience with the crop many want to improve their nitrogen management practices.  The use of N-rich strips, optical sensors (GreenSeeker™), and online Sensor Based Nitrogen Rate Calculators has not only been proven through research but it is also supported as a Better Management Practice (BMP) by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).  In-fact the NRCS offers cost share support for use of the technology through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP).  Oklahoma State Research and Extension personnel have been developing and promoting the use of N-Rich strips and SBNRC in winter wheat since the late 90’s.  By a conservative estimate N-rich strips are applied in over 500,000 acres of winter wheat in Oklahoma each year resulting in an average increase in profit of $10.00 per acre per year.  Due to canola’s higher market value the return on using this technology could be even higher than the $10 per acre for winter wheat. Successful SBNRC algorithms have been created for spring canola grown in Canada.  The winter wheat SBNRC utilized the use of yield prediction and response index to determine optimum top-dress N rate.  This projects objectives were two fold 1) develop a yield prediction model for winter canola and 2) develop a sensor based nitrogen rate calculator for winter canola.   In the fall of 2013 trials were established at three locations.  Trials consisted of twelve treatments in a RCBD with three replications.  Treatments 1-6 consisted of a range of pre-plant N rates, these treatments were used for the yield prediction model.  Treatments 7-12 consisted of a range of top-dress N rates, these treatments were used to validate the algorithms being developed.