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Southern Alberta and southwest Saskatchewan may have soil temperatures adequate for canola establishment and just enough moisture for emergence, but should they seed now?…
Seeding date
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Various studies and crop insurance data show that canola seeded in early May tends to yield more than canola seeded in late May. Agronomy decisions are based on these trend results. But with the unpredictability of crop production, situations often come along that buck the trend. This year may be one of those years. Why?… -
The first two weeks of May are the ideal time to seed canola, based on long-term yield results from the Prairies. This has been shown in Canola Council of Canada research as well as crop insurance results… -
Early seeding usually improves canola yield potential and quality, in large part because earlier crops tend to flower before the hottest days of summer. But the yield benefits of early…… -
Read more for maps showing the average date of the last spring frost in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba… -
Very early seeding increases the frost risk and may not provide a yield advantage over your regular early seeding date. Early seeding usually improves canola yield potential and quality, but these benefits depend on survival of a sufficient plant population — ideally 7 to 10 plants per square foot, and a minimum 4 to 5. An early-seeded crop that is… -
This graph shows that a higher seeding rate that will ensure a stand of at least 60 plants per square metre (6 per square foot) will mature a lot earlier than a stand with 20-40 per square metre. A higher seeding rate is just one way to reduce the days to maturity for a late seeded canola field… -
It’s mid May, so put away the soil thermometer. When you get the chance to seed, then seed. Seeding into warmer (8-10°C) soils will improve seed survival and have more seed emerging at the same time (as shown in the graph) but this needs to be balanced against the benefits of early seeding. To improve seed survival and speed of… -
Early weed control is an important step in profitable canola production. Research on preseed weed control showed that early seeding was less important to yield than early weed control. Pre-seed weed control will manage weeds that emerge ahead of seeding, reducing crop competition for light, moisture and nutrients…
