Analyzing Nitrogen Use Efficiency in canola hybrids under multiple nitrogen fertilization rates
Date
2020-03-10
Authors
Solskyi, Denis
Bueckert, Rosalind
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Poster Presentation
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Abstract
Canola (Brassica napus L.) is the major oil crop in Canada with over 9 million hectares of harvested fields in 2019. In order to achieve higher yields, farmers must consider many important factors one of which is plant nutrition. Nitrogen (N) is a key element responsible for plant development and yield formation. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how spring canola uses the N. Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) is an indicator that shows the effectiveness of nitrogen taken by a plant from the soil and fertilizer into its biomass, and consequently, how N is moved to form yield. This study will look at two commercial canola hybrids grown under eight different N fertilization rates and placements. The field experiment is conducted for two years (2019 and 2020) in two locations: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research farms at Melfort and Scott. The objectives are 1) To establish N uptake and response in two hybrids varieties under different fertilizer application placement timings and N-rates. 2) To assess N content in plant organs (stems, leaves, pods, and seeds) during four growth stages: bolting, flowering, pod filling, physiological maturity. 3) To assess NUE using Nitrogen Harvest Index (NHI) and Nitrogen Nutrition Index (NNI), and Specific Leaf Nitrogen (SLN) by relating whole plant and leaf area in canola to organ-based tissue tests (% N concentration and relative N content). Samples will be removed through the growing season, dried, and weighed for total biomass, leaves, stems and pods (seeds and pod walls). Total N of plant parts will be determined by combustion, so amounts of N can be followed through the canola lifecycle.
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canola, nitrogen use efficiency, nitrogen, nitrogen uptake
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Soils and Crops Workshop