Optimal Agronomic Conditions for Spring and Winter Canola Production in Northern Idaho.

Lack of economically viable alternative crops to grow in rotation with small grain cereals has increased grower interest in growing spring and winter canola. Higher yielding canola cultivars combined with competitive prices has resulted in an increase of canola acreage in the Pacific Northwest region. Although adapted canola cultivars are now available to growers, few attempts have been made to optimize productivity through agronomic management of the crop. The aim of this two-year study is to optimize growers’ productivity and profitability with a range of adapted winter and spring canola cultivars in specific environments. Agronomic factors examined include planting date, seeding rate, and fertility management in two different tillage systems. This information will be valuable to the farming community to aid in the correct choice of cultivars and management practices to optimize grower profitability. Two years of field trial results will be presented and discussed on the spring canola and one year’s data on the winter canola trials.