Companion Cropping and Fall Grazing of Winter Canola.

Winter canola (Brassica napus L.) is a relatively new crop to be grown in the southern Great Plains and is being grown in place of winter wheat within the crop rotation. Establishment and winter survival are challenges of growing winter canola in the region. Management practices were identified that improved establishment, winter survival, and grain yield, but information is still needed on how to best grow winter canola in the region. Canola varieties Griffin and Wichita were grown with and without a companion crop (spring triticale, winter triticale, Daikon radish, and Shogoin turnip) and were managed with and without fall simulated grazing. Treatment effects (variety, companion crop, and fall grazing) on winter canola fall plant density, fall vigor, winter survival, spring plant density, spring vigor, grain yield, forage yield, forage quality, and grain oil content were quantified. Grazing or haying canola in the fall reduced grain yield 30–50% and decreased the yield of a more upright growth variety (Wichita) more than a prostate growth variety (Griffin). Companion cropping decreased canola fall stand, winter survival, spring stand, and grain yield. Companion crops can improve fall forage production. The results from this study indicate canola grown primarily for grain should not be grown with a companion crop or in a dual-purpose system.