Leeson: Impact of Management and Environment on Canola Establishment Based on Survey Data
Date: March 2013
Term: 3 years
Status: Completed
Researcher(s): Julie Leeson, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon Christoph Neesor, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Lethbridge
SaskCanola Investment: n/a
Total Project Cost: n/a
Funding Partners: n/a
Project Summary
A three-year study was conducted from 2010 to 2012 across western Canada in conjunction with planned Prairie Weed Surveys to determine the impact of the environment, management and weeds on canola crop establishment. The study showed that producers appear to be targeting stand densities at the lower end of the recommended range. In years with extreme weather conditions, this often results in lower than recommended stand densities. Overall the research shows that even under relatively good environmental conditions, approximately 40% of producers would benefit from better crop establishment, which would help optimize canola yields for the majority of canola producers.
While crop establishment has been identified as an important issue for canola production, little information is available describing crop stands in producer fields. Led by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), a three-year study was conducted from 2010 to 2012 across western Canada in conjunction with planned Prairie Weed Surveys to determine the impact of the environment, management and weeds on crop establishment. The study data established a baseline of grower's canola crop establishment practices, including average canola stand density, variations within and between fields, and across ecoregions. The study also considered the relationship between canola stand density, initial seeding rate, management practices, weather and residual weed pressure.
In Alberta in 2010, 218 fields were randomly selected and surveyed, and in 2012, 464 fields in Saskatchewan were surveyed. In Manitoba, data from surveys conducted in 1086 canola fields between 2000 and 2003 were used for comparison to other Prairie Provinces. Crop counts, along with weed identification and counts were performed on each field. After harvest, producers completed a management questionnaire for each field on seeding practices, including crop variety, seeding rate, seeding depth, seeding date, seeding equipment, seed treatments, and yield. Relationships of weather, ecoregion and management practices were also considered.
Overall, the results showed large differences in crop establishment between survey years, which indicates that weather was a critical factor influencing crop stands. In most years, crop establishment did not significantly vary between ecoregions. However, regardless of weather, crop establishment was often lower than recommended (four to five plants per square foot threshold considered the minimum for canola to reach its yield potential). The study showed that producers appear to be targeting stand densities at the lower end of the recommended range. In years with extreme weather conditions, this often results in lower than recommended stand densities.
Crop stands within fields tended to be uneven; resulting in many fields with patches having poor stands. Crops with thin stands were as likely to occur when the seeding rate was less than, equal to or more than 5 pounds/acre. The field survey results showed that most producers in Alberta (71%) reported using a seeding rate of 5 pounds/acre, while in Saskatchewan only 52% reported using a seeding rate of 5 pounds/acre. In Saskatchewan, producers were more likely to use rates less than 5 pounds/acre (33% vs 11% in Alberta).
The study also showed that weed densities were higher in poorly established crops. This indicates other potential issues faced by producers, including increased herbicide costs and reduced yields due to weed competition. Overall the research shows that even under relatively good environmental conditions, approximately 40% of producers would benefit from better crop establishment. The results indicate that improved crop establishment would help optimize canola yields for the majority of canola producers.
Scientific publications.
Figure 1. Average canola density in each survey year.
Figure 2. Percent of fields with patches of less than recommended canola density in each survey year
Full Report PDF: n/a