Impact of topography and nitrogen fertility on canola and wheat diseases

Abstract

Precision farming technology may offer the ability to increase current levels of grain production per unit cost by improving the efficiency of inputs. Canola diseases such as Sclerotinia, Alternaria and blackleg and wheat leaf spotting diseases and common root rot are known to be major limitations to production. The severity of these diseases varies with the microclimate of the crop canopy, which is a function of stand and density. Stand and density are influenced by available soil moisture and fertility levels, factors that vary over the landscape. The objective of this study is to understand how each disease varies over the landscape and the interaction of nitrogen fertility with disease severity. This information will be used to improve the efficiency of fungicide and fertilizer application.