Conclusions

1
Agronomic Research Pertaining to Winter Canola
Production in Southern Illinois Michael Schmidt,
Jarrett Nehring, Jim Klein, and Catherine
Schmidt Plant, Soil, and Agricultural Systems,
Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL 62901
Introduction Planting date and nitrogen rate were
studied to determine the best practices for
production of winter canola in southern
Illinois. Materials and Methods A 2-year
factorial split-plot designed study was conducted
with planting date serving as the main plot and
nitrogen rate serving as the subplot. Planting
dates were Sep. 9, Sep. 16, and Oct. 6 in 2004
and Sep. 9, Sep. 19, and Sep. 29 in 2005.
Nitrogen treatments were 90, 134, and 179 kg/ha
applied as a split application with 30 kg/ha
applied across all treatments in the fall. The
2004 planting followed soybean, the 2005 planting
followed corn. Seeding rate was 10 kg/ha.
Results The earliest planting date provided the
highest yield both years, though not
significantly higher than the mid date in 2005.
The highest N rate provided the highest yield
both years however differences for 2006 were not
significant.
Yield loss due to frost heaving can occur when
root systems do not have enough time to develop
before winter. (right)
Early planting is crucial to maximize yield
because it creates a more dense fall stand,
improving winter survival, as seen in photo at
right taken Feb. 2005. (below)
Early Planting
Late Planting
Conclusions Planting date had the greatest and
most consistent impact on yield. Winter canola
should be planted by mid-September for southern
Illinois production. The application of at least
134 kg/ha is recommended. Additional studies need
be conducted to determine the economic advantage
of additional N.