Seeding Rate and Nitrogen Fertilization Rate Effects on Growth and Yield of Ethiopian Mustard (Brassica carinata).

Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata), commonly known as carinata, is a non-food oilseed crop that has a potential to be used for biofuel production. The introduction of carinata into cereal-based cropping systems in the Northern Great Plains of the U.S. could potentially diversify current cropping systems and increase farmers’ revenues, benefit soils, and address “food vs. fuel” challenges. Currently, little is known about the agronomic and environmental impacts associated with the production of this crop. Two studies were conducted to determined i) the optimum seeding rates and ii) yield potential under different nitrogen fertilizer rates for two carinata varieties at two locations in South Dakota. Four seeding rates (4.5, 9, 13, and 17.5 kg/ha) and five nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 28, 56, 84, and 140 kg/ha) were evaluated. Each study was arranged as a randomized complete block design with treatments replicated four times. Under no-till conditions at Pierre, the optimal seeding rates ranged from 9 to 17.5 kg/ha. Under conventional till at the Brookings location, the optimal seeding rates were slightly lower ranging from 4.5 to 13 kg/ha. Carinata showed a positive, statistically significant yield response to applied N. The best yields were observed at the N rate of 84 kg/ha at both locations.