Plant density response of canola in medium rainfall WA (13CH21)

2013

Research organisaton
Funding sources

Trial details

Researcher(s) Martin Harries
Mark Seymour
Year(s) 2013
Contributor Department of Agriculture and Food WA
Trial location(s) Eradu, WA
Plant density response of canola in medium rainfall WA (13CH21) locations
Aims

To investigate the plant density response to yield and oil content of TT and RR hybrid canola in comparison with open-pollinated canola.

Key messages

At Chapman Valley in 2013 canola grain yields began to plateau at approximately 20-30 plants/m².  Economic optimum target densities were found to be @ 16 plants/m² for Hyola 404RR, 24 plants/m² for GT Viper, 33 plants/m² for Hyola 450TT, and 34 plants/m² for ATR Stingray.

Taking into account contingencies such as seeding errors, dry conditions at seeding and changes in seed size or viability we suggest that seed rates of RR and TT hybrids and RR OP at similar sites be around 1.9 to 2.3 kg/ha, whilst the cheaper seed of less competitive TT OP lines be sown at @ 4.0 kg/ha.

Lead research organisation Department of Agriculture and Food WA
Host research organisation N/A
Trial funding source GRDC DAW00227
Trial funding source DAFWA DAW00227
Related program Tactical Break Crop Agronomy
Acknowledgments

This trial is one of a series conducted throughout WA as part of the GRDC/DAFWA co-funded project “Tactical break crop agronomy”.  Thanks to the Smart family for hosting the trials and to the Geraldton RSU for trial management.  Jo Walker (DAFWA. Geraldton) kindly provided technical assistance to ensure all treatments and measurements occurred in a timely and accurate fashion.


Other trial partners Not specified
Download the trial report to view additional trial information

Method

Crop type Oilseed: Canola
Treatment type(s)
  • Sowing: Rate
Trial type Experimental
Trial design Replicated

Eradu 2013

Sow rate or Target density 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60 or 80 plants/m²
Sow date 6 May 2013
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication 3
Paddock history Wheat 2012, wheat 2011, lupins 2 t/ha 2010
Fertiliser

Fertiliser (kg/ha) 100 kg/h of Agstar Extra at seeding. 120 kg/ha of Urea, 120 kg/ha of Muriate of Potash and 400 kg/ha of gypsum (17% Ca, 14% S) topdressed over whole site 4 weeks after seeding

Other trial notes

Please view Trial report

Download the trial report to view additional method/treatment information
Trial source data and summary not available
Check the trial report PDF for trial results.
Observed trial site soil information
Trial site soil testing
Not specified
Soil conditions
Trial site Soil texture
Eradu, WA Loamy sand
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Eradu, WA Sodosol
Soil Moisture Source: BOM/ANU
Average amount of water stored in the soil profile during the year, estimated by the OzWALD model-data fusion system.
Year Eradu WA
2013 249.3mm
2012 259.0mm
2011 304.2mm
2010 267.4mm
2009 294.2mm
2008 276.6mm
2007 194.8mm
2006 237.3mm
2005 262.6mm
2004 248.2mm
2003 203.8mm
2002 174.2mm
2001 198.9mm
2000 310.0mm
National soil grid Source: CSIRO/TERN
NOTE: National Soil Grid data is aggregated information for background information on the wider area
Actual soil values can vary significantly in a small area and the trial soil tests are the most relevant data where available

Soil properties

Loading

Climate

Eradu WA 2013


Observed climate information

Rainfall trial gsr (mm) 301mm

Derived climate information

Eradu WA

Loading
Loading
Loading

Some data on this site is sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology

SILO weather estimates sourced from https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo/
Jeffrey, S.J., Carter, J.O., Moodie, K.B. and Beswick, A.R. (2001). Using spatial interpolation to construct a comprehensive archive of Australian climate data , Environmental Modelling and Software, Vol 16/4, pp 309-330. DOI: 10.1016/S1364-8152(01)00008-1.