Growing spring canola in the moderately short growing season of the Canadian Prairies always tests the tipping point between maximum maturity time (to produce maximum yield) and avoiding the first frost. With growers taking on more acres than ever, the time crunch at harvest can make it tempting to begin swathing early. But the yield...
Read More Early spring seeding typically benefits canola yield and quality. An early planting date enables the crop to take advantage of good spring moisture, avoid some heat stress at flowering, and reduce the risk of fall frost damage. Key practice: Crops seeded early (in late April or early May, depending on the region) will out-yield canola...
Read More Key practice: Higher seeding rates mean a more competitive crop, which can translate into higher yields and lower in-crop weed management costs. Key research: Harker, K.N., Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), et al. “High-Yield No-Till Canola Production on the Canadian Prairies.” Canadian Journal of Plant Science. (2012). Harker, K.N., AAFC, et al. “Seeding Rate, Herbicide...
Read More Key practice: Ground speed and mechanical adjustments to the combine can reduce harvest losses and increase yields. For growers who want to try straight combining, start with one field with uniform maturity and high yield potential. Key research: Gulden, R.H., University of Manitoba, et al. “Evaluation of Harvest Losses and Their Causes in Canola Across...
Read More Key practice: Optimum seeding depth is ½” to 1″ below the press wheel furrow. This reduces days to emergence and improves plant population and uniformity, which produce season-long benefits. Key research: Harker, K. Neil, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). “Seeding Depth and Seeding Speed Effects on No-Till Canola Emergence, Maturity, Yield and Seed Quality.” Canola...
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