Managing Global Resources for a Secure Future

2017 Annual Meeting | Oct. 22-25 | Tampa, FL

38-1 Nitrogen and Irrigation Effects on Seed Yield, Oil Content and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Camelina.

See more from this Division: ASA Section: Agronomic Production Systems
See more from this Session: General Bioenergy Systems Oral

Monday, October 23, 2017: 8:05 AM
Marriott Tampa Waterside, Grand Ballroom B

Kevin F. Bronson1, Doug J. Hunsaker1, Kelly Thorp2 and Jeffrey W. White1, (1)USDA-ARS, Maricopa, AZ
(2)21881 N Cardon Ln, USDA-ARS, Maricopa, AZ
Abstract:
Camelina (Camelina sativa) has been suggested as an especially drought tolerant and low-N requiring biofuel feedstock suitable for dryland systems. Efficient targeting of promising crops requires a precise assessment of crop response to water and N. We conducted a two-year study in Maricopa, AZ under a linear-move overhead sprinkler system with 10 water levels (irrigation fraction 0.5 to 1.1) and five N fertilizer rates (38 to 150 kg N ha-1). Camelina cultivar ‘Robinson’ was planted on the 16th and 4th of December, in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied in three split applications as 320 g N kg-1 urea ammonium nitrate with a high clearance tractor and variable rate fertilizer nozzles. Irrigation amounts were 125 to 380 mm, and in-season rain was only 70 and 50 mm in the two seasons, 2012-2013, and 2013-2014, respectively. Seed yields of camelina were maximum at water level 8 (Irrigation fraction 1.0) in 2013 at 1850 kg ha-1. Maximum seed yields were 1600 kg ha-1 at water level 10 (irrigation fraction 1.1) in 2014, which was a warmer winter than 2012-2013. Nitrogen fertilizer response did not plateau in 2013 above water level 3 (irrigation fraction 0.6). In 2014, the optimal N rate was 113 kg N ha-1. Oil concentration was maximum at 40 %, declined with N rate, but was not affected by irrigation level. This study suggests that high camelina seed yields can be obtained with modest N and water inputs the Western US.

See more from this Division: ASA Section: Agronomic Production Systems
See more from this Session: General Bioenergy Systems Oral

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