Influence of Cattle Manure and Phosphorus Fertilization on Fatty Acid Composition of Canola.

Fatty acid composition of canola oil determines its nutritional and industrial value. Limited work has been done about fertilizer effects on its fatty acid composition. A 2-yr study was conducted to investigate the role of cattle manure and inorganic phosphorus (P) for increasing fatty acid composition of canola oil. Two hybrids of canola (Hyola-43 and Hyola-401) were tested against two levels of P (30 and 60 kg ha-1), alone or in combination with cattle manure (10 t ha-1) applied through broadcast and drill methods. All these treatments were compared with unfertilized control. Hybrid Hyola-43 showed very promising results for improving the fatty acid composition. Higher dose of P and application of manure had significantly improved the fatty acid profile of canola. Oleic acid and linoleic acid contents were consistently increased in response to increased rates of P applied through side drill method and manure. While linolenic acid contents were decreased with application of P and manure. Maximum contents of oleic acid and linoleic acid contents were found in Hyola-43 when fertilized with P @ 60 kg ha-1 along with manure while minimum amount was found in Hyola-401 in unfertilized plots. Highest linolenic acid content was observed in unfertilized plots of Hyola-401.