Nitrogen application at flowering boosts rapeseed yields

Rapeseed producers could increase returns from the crop by applying the correct amount and type of nitrogen at flowering.

It could add GBP59 (US$89) per hectare, according to Yara head of agronomy, Mark Tucker, who said the figure would equate to GBP35 million (US$53 million) if achieved across the current 602,600 hectares of rapeseed currently being grown throughout the UK.

Yara trials looking at the interactions between the spring and flowering nitrogen dose, showed a response to late nitrogen application on all crops.

The trials involved application of nitrogen rates of 0, 100 and 300kg N/ha and also an application of N at flowering, to test if the late application would make a significant difference to yield.

The trials also showed the benefit of late application on backward crops, with a yield response of 0.21-0.33t/ha on the 0 and 100 kg nitrogen/ha plots.

''The results clearly demonstrate that, in order to optimise yields of rapeseed, late management is essential for maximum profitability,'' said Tucker.