Soil Nutrient Management for Canola

By Clain Jones, Extension Soil Fertility Specialist and Professor and Kathrin Olson-Rutz, Research Associate
Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences
Montana State University

High canola yields depend on sound soil fertility management, proven agronomics, and cooperative weather. This bulletin presents the first item.

General Principles

Canola prefers soils with adequate infiltration and aeration.  It is considered moderately tolerant of salt and sodium, tolerating salinity up to 5 to 6 mmho/cm (millimho per centimeter) before yields are reduced, similar to small grains. Canola performs well between pH 5.5 and 8.5 (1). Minimal tillage and continuous high-diversity crop rotations help keep the soil surface covered with crop residue and provide desirable soil conditions.

Maintaining soil fertility for optimal yields depends on selecting the right crop rotations and providing fertilizer for optimal crop uptake with minimal nutrient loss to the air, leaching, or run-off. Crop rotations help interrupt disease cycles and influence nutrient demand of canola as well as the subsequent crop (Table 1). The 4Rs of right fertilizer source, right rate, right placement, and right timing for a given production system reduce fertilizer loss and optimizes fertilizer uptake.

Table 1. Soil nutrient considerations for crop rotations that include canola.

The 4Rs are usually interrelated; for example, the right rate, placement and timing are very dependent on the source. Getting it ‘right’ not only increases the farm’s bottom line but helps protect soil, water, and air resources as well. It all starts with determining the nutrient status of the soil.

Soil and Tissue Testing

Soil Testing

Soil tests are the basis for selecting optimum fertilizer application rates (see Interpretation of Soil Test Reports). Samples should be taken to 2 feet depth for nitrate and sulfate and to 6 inches for phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and micronutrients. In general, soil tests from samples taken in the spring rather than fall better reflect nitrogen (N) available to the crop that growing season because of overwinter N loss to leaching or gain through decomposition of organic matter.

Tissue Testing and Deficiency Symptoms

Even though plant tissue sufficiency levels are published for canola, there is too much variability among cultivars, plant stages, and time of day that tissue is sampled to make reliable nutrient management decisions based solely on tissue testing (2, 3).

Optical sensors, such as GreenSeeker, are a form of tissue testing for N management. The optimum window for using N sensor technology to recommend top-dressed N fertilizer is from approximately the 6-leaf stage (HB2.6) to the start of flowering (HB4.1; 4, Saskatchewan). The technology can guide in-season N application in years with high yield potential or direct N application to areas of a field with higher than average yield potential, leading to more efficient use of N fertilizer. Unfortunately, growers in Montana do not yet have access to regionally appropriate N fertilization suggestions for given sensor readings in canola.

Plant symptoms can also be used to identify nutrient deficiencies (Table 2); yet, it is better to rely on soil test recommendations and/or nutrient removal rates, because once nutrient deficiency symptoms appear, yield potential has likely been reduced. Also, plants may be deficient because of environmental stress (e.g., cold, very wet soil) which cannot be improved with additional fertilizer, and plants may recover once stress passes. Additionally, disease or herbicide damage may mimic nutrient deficiency. See Plant Nutrient Functions and Deficiency and Toxicity Symptoms for more information.

Table 2. Canola nutrient deficiency and stress damage symptoms. Photos used with permission.

NITROGEN: Bottom leaves yellow prematurely, plants are thin and spindly, with small leaves and few branches (5).
PHOSPHORUS: Older leaves show symptoms first, slow leaf expansion, smaller and fewer leaves, dark green or bluish color, purple if severe. Plants are spindly with delayed maturity. Deficiency symptoms appear by second week of growth. Found especially in cool or poorly aerated soils (IPNI/M. El Gharous).
POTASSIUM: First visible in older leaves, the edges and areas between veins of older leaves tend to turn pale green or yellow, followed by withering. The yellowing can occur first in middle leaves if observed at bolting to flowering stages. K deficiency is rare in canola because canola is a good scavenger (IPNI/T. Roberts).
SULFUR: Yellowing of rapidly growing parts, especially reproductive structures. Young plants have smaller and upward-cupped leaves. Severe deficiency symptoms show up about 2 weeks after germination. Medium deficiencies do not show symptoms until bolting, flowering and pod stages. Flower petals are pale yellow to white, followed by poorly filled/aborted pods. (2; Government of Western Australia/T. Potter).
BORON: Besides stunted growth of the main stem, leaves are deformed, curled, and rough skinned with torn leaf margins and necrotic lesions in interveinal space (IPNI/R. Norton; 2).
A. COLD DAMAGE: Leaf cupping B. HERBICIDE DAMAGE: Leaf cupping, chlorosis and purpling (1; Government of Western Australia).

Rate

Suggested fertilizer rates depend on the fertilizer source and placement, and are presented under the individual nutrient sections below. If the fertilization goal is to ‘maintain’ soil nutrient levels, crop removal rates can be used (Table 3). Because canola growth requires more nutrients than what is removed by harvest, using removal rates will only maintain soil nutrient levels if no nutrients are lost to erosion or leaching.

Table 3. Range of total pounds nutrient uptake and removed nutrient per bushel seed (N, P, K, S) by mature canola plants produced in the northern Great Plains.

a: 6, Conrad, Montana b: 7, Canadian Prairies c: 8 d: 9

Balanced nutrition is important for optimizing yield and economic return of applied fertilizer. Excess N promotes lodging, delayed maturity, foliar disease, and some pests such as root maggots. Under-fertilizing limits yield and the crop’s ability to compensate for pest damage.

Hybrid canola varieties have higher yield potential than open-pollinated traditional varieties, (10, Alberta, Saskatchewan) and therefore require more available N (soil N to 2 feet plus fertilizer N). However, P and K fertilizers are generally not needed in larger amounts by hybrids because hybrids are especially good scavengers of these and other nutrients, which has ramifications for fertilizer needs of the subsequent crop (Table 1; 11, Manitoba; 12, Alberta).

Nitrogen

Nitrogen fertilization rates are usually based on yield potential and must consider residual soil nitrate-N, organic matter contributions, and adjustments (credits or debits) dependent on previous crop history. MSU fertilizer guidelines suggest optimal total available N of 3.25 lb per bushel, however, this can vary greatly depending on location and year (see Optimal N text box). Only a portion of this N ends up in the mature plant, and only two-thirds of that gets removed from the field as seed (Table 3). High yielding varieties tend to yield more for each pound of available N, especially at higher N rates, but ultimately need more N per acre to reach their production potential (15, Saskatchewan)

Ideally, N rate is adjusted for the previous crop and different areas of a field. In general, Montana soils provide 15 to 20 lb nitrate-N/acre for each percent soil organic matter (SOM) above 2%. Fertilizer rates can be reduced by about 10 to 20 lb N/acre (the ‘N credit’) following an annual legume in rotation, while the N-credit from alfalfa is 40 lb N/acre. In contrast, if N is broadcast onto small grain stubble in no-till, an additional 10 lb N/acre per 1,000 lb stubble (up to 40 lb N/acre) is suggested for about 6 years in coarse soils and up to 15 years in fine-textured soils (8; 16, Saskatchewan).

Ideally, N rate is adjusted for the previous crop and different areas of a field. In general, Montana soils provide 15 to 20 lb nitrate-N/acre for each percent soil organic matter (SOM) above 2%. Fertilizer rates can be reduced by about 10 to 20 lb N/acre (the ‘N credit’) following an annual legume in rotation, while the N-credit from alfalfa is 40 lb N/acre. In contrast, if N is broadcast onto small grain stubble in no-till, an additional 10 lb N/acre per 1,000 lb stubble (up to 40 lb N/acre) is suggested for about 6 years in coarse soils and up to 15 years in fine-textured soils (8; 16, Saskatchewan).

Canola is easily damaged by seed-placed fertilizer. Safe seed-placed fertilizer rates depend on many factors (Table 4). Seed-placed N fertilizer rates need to be reduced if a P fertilizer that contains N, such as monoammonium phosphate (MAP, 11-52-0), is seed-placed. For example, if MAP is seed placed at 25 lb/acre, then the safe rate of N fertilizer needs to be reduced by 2.75 lb N/acre. Use online safe rate calculators to get estimates for a given production system (see Appendix).

Canola can only respond to N if sulfur (S) is not limiting. If S is deficient, adding N (as well as P and K) decreases yield (Figure 1). Applying N:S in a 7:1 balance
can benefit yield if both N and S are deficient, however, the N:S ratio is irrelevant if S is sufficient (19, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba). Sulfur is discussed later.

Figure 1. Canola yields decline with high N if S is deficient and high S helps most when N is sufficient (open-pollinated variety, N and S broadcast and incorporated just prior to seeding; 18, Saskatchewan).

Table 4. Safety of seed-placed fertilizer varies with relative soil conditions, opener width, row spacing, and fertilizer source.

a: 17
b: Check spread width under field conditions
c: Not recommended for seed-placed

Phosphorus and Potassium

Phosphorus and K rate guidelines are based on soil test levels (Tables 5 and 6), and do not vary with yield potential. Canola changes the soil chemistry around its roots, enabling more P uptake from the soil than wheat (20). However, adequate P in the first 2 to 6 weeks after germination is critical for high yield. Therefore, 10 to 15 lb P2O5/acre seed-placed P can be helpful even at soil P greater than 21 ppm, especially in cool or dry soil in which P is slow to move towards plant roots (21, 22).

Safe rates of seed-placed P depend on the P source, opener, row spacing, and seed bed conditions (Table 4). Use online calculators (see Appendix) to get estimated safe rates. Placement options for P rates higher than can be safely seed- placed are presented in the Timing and Placement section.

Canola will only respond to K if there is sufficient N (23). Seed-placed K2O + N should not be higher than 10 lb/acre (8), or 4 lb/acre in sandy soils (24). This affects the ability to seed-place P, since MAP contains 2 lb N for every 10 lb P2O5. If 8 lb K2O/acre are seed-placed, then only 10 lb P2O5 as MAP can also be seed-placed, and having P close to the seed is more important than having K close to seed.

Table 5. Banded (a) P fertilizer guidelines for canola in Montana based on soil analysis (b).

a: Will need more if surface broadcast, especially at low P test levels.
b: 8
c: If soil test level is above 16 ppm then consider using removal rate (Table 3) or seed-place 10 lb P2O5/acre.

Table 6. Banded (a) K fertilizer guidelines for canola in Montana based on soil analysis (b).

a: Might need more if surface broadcast, especially at low K test levels.
b: 8
c: If soil test level is above 250 ppm then consider using removal rate (Table 3).

Sulfur and Micronutrients

There is no single accurate diagnostic tool for S or micronutrients. It is challenging to get reliable soil S tests and there is little information on critical soil test levels of micronutrients. Therefore, S and micronutrient fertilization rates are based on a combination of field history, crop appearance, response to test strips, and tissue and soil testing. Soils with less than 20 lb S/acre in the top 2 feet are most likely S deficient (25).

Studies in Montana found 18 lb S/acre as sulfate was adequate for dryland canola when broadcast at seeding (6). Because they are higher yielding, new hybrid varieties may require 20 lb S/acre or more under S deficient conditions. Ammonium sulfate (21-0-0-24) can be safely seed-placed at 9 lb S/acre when placed alone in loam soil, but the safe rate is lower in dry, coarse soils or with the addition of MAP (26, Saskatchewan). In-season S deficiency can be treated with up to 20 lb S/acre of ammonium thiosulfate (12-0-0-26) or ammonium sulfate (27, North Dakota).

Micronutrients are taken up in very small amounts (Table 3). Deficiency symptoms may appear under cool, wet conditions, only to disappear as the soil warms. Published critical soil and tissue test levels should be used only as rough estimates of sufficiency. The risk of yield loss due to toxic effects from excess micronutrient fertilization may be higher than any loss of yield due to deficiency. Table 7 presents general guidelines for micronutrient fertilization. The best test for deficiency is measuring the effect of fertilizer test strips on yield. Routine application is not suggested. In over 100 comparisons from more than 60 site-years, there was no benefit from boron fertilization (31, Canadian Prairies).

Table 7. General low soil levels (a) for micronutrients and application guidelines if nutrients are deficient (b).

a: 9
b: 2
c: NA – the commonly used hot water extractable B test is not an effective diagnostic tool, 29
d: NR – not recommended, NV – not verified
e: 29

Source

The source of readily available nutrients, for example urea vs. urea-ammonium-nitrate (UAN, 28-0-0 or 32-0-0) or MAP vs. diammonium phosphate (DAP, 18-46-0) often does not substantially affect nutrient availability. Readily available nutrient sources should be selected based on cost per pound of available nutrient, ease of application, leaf burn potential, probability of germination issues if applied with the seed, and reduced potential loss to volatilization (loss to the air) or leaching.

Polymer coating urea allows higher N rates to be applied in seed-rows (Figure 2) and is more effective than widening the seed-row band (32, Saskatchewan). However, the reported safe rates of polymer coated urea (PCU) and the yield benefit are inconsistent (13, Alberta, Saskatchewan) most likely because the rate at which N becomes available from polymer coated urea depends on soil moisture, temperature, and texture, and how prill handling has damaged the coating. Scaly equipment or systems operating at high fan speeds can reduce safe rates of polymer coated urea (33). Polymer coated N release is slow in cool, dry conditions, so blending polymer coated urea with safe rates of non-coated urea may provide sufficient early N and higher safe seed-placed rates (14, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba).

Polymer coated urea and urea treated with N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT, active ingredient of Agrotain®, N-Fixx, Arborite® AG, among others) volatilize less than regular urea (see Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers). Both NBPT-urea and SuperU® increased canola yields by approximately 5 bushels per acre compared to urea, when fertilizer was broadcast or shallow banded (<1.5 inches) in the western provinces (Figure 3).

Figure 2. Canola yield with seed-placed urea and polymer coated urea (PCU) at increasing N rates in a wet seedbed environment (Scott, Saskatchewan) and dry seedbed environment (Swift Current, Saskatchewan).
*PCU yields are greater than urea yields within the same environment with 95% confidence (32).

Figure 3. Seed yield with urea, urea with NBPT, and SuperU (NBPT + nitrification inhibitor) broadcast, shallow or deep banded (depths after packing). Yields with different letters within N placements are different with 95% confidence (Dick, Nebo, Holzapfel and Tenuta, unpublished data, courtesy 2, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba).

Trials with specialty P products have not consistently increased yields. However, polymer coated P or liquid ammonium polyphosphate (10-34-0) can be safely seed-row placed up to 35 lb P2O5/acre (34, Manitoba).

The main benefit of many specialized fertilizers is to allow application of higher rates in the seed row, which simplifies application and saves time, but might not increase yields. It is up to the producer to decide whether this is worth the extra cost.

Some traditional nutrient sources are slow to dissolve into plant available forms. For example, rock phosphate and elemental S generally do not provide enough phosphate and sulfate, respectively, within the season. Rock phosphate requires 6 to 8 times the amount to produce the same response as MAP or DAP (1). Elemental S does not provide sufficient S until 2 to 4 years after it is applied, unless it is finely ground or suspended (which makes it highly corrosive) before application (35, Saskatchewan; 36, Alberta, Saskatchewan). In contrast, ammonium sulfate and ammonium thiosulfate increase yields the year of application as well as the following two crop years (37, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba).

Areas with high microbial activity or that have had earlier applications of elemental S tend to convert elemental S to sulfate more rapidly (38, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba). However, repeated elemental S application can decrease microbial biomass and soil enzymes (1). The addition of specialized bacteria that may increase nutrient availability has not translated to increased yields (39, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba).

Canola is already a strong scavenger of P, K and S. Specialized amendments are a fast evolving field, and strip trials and common sense are valuable when considering soil amendments. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Legumes in rotation are a good N source for canola. They provide more soil N when grown as green manure than for seed. However, short term overall net returns are greater with pulse grain crops than with green manure in rotation, as long as water doesn’t become limiting for the subsequent canola crop (40, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba). Canola yields are higher following alfalfa if the alfalfa is terminated after the first cutting rather than after the second cutting or in the spring, and by a combination of herbicide and tillage, rather than one or the other (41, Saskatchewan). Fall planted alfalfa inter-seeded with winter wheat in Alberta provided an extra 16 to 18 lb N/acre to the following canola crop (42, Alberta).

Animal manure can be an excellent source of many nutrients. It is especially high in P and K, but contains variable nutrient amounts and should be tested for nutrient content to calculate application rates. It may also contain herbicide residues.

Timing and Placement

Nutrients must be plant available before the period of rapid growth at stem elongation (Figure 4). Mobile nutrients such as N and S are best managed based on growing conditions and applied in early- to mid-spring. The less mobile nutrients P and K are best built up in the soil prior to seeding and applied with the seed in low, safe amounts to be near the emerging seedlings’ roots in the spring.

Figure 4. Canola dry matter and nutrient uptake over the growing season as a percent of maximum uptake (adapted from 22, Saskatchewan).

Fall application of N risks N volatilization loss if N is broadcast and left on the surface, or leaching loss, especially in coarse textured soils and in areas with spring flooding. Nitrogen is ideally applied as a split application, with 50 to 65% of the suggested amount applied at seeding and the remainder to meet the current production potential applied by the 5- to 6-leaf stage (43, Saskatchewan). The ability to withhold or reduce N applied in a second application reduces the risk of wasted N and lost yield in case of drought. High N in drought conditions reduces yield more than would be reduced by water limitation alone. High initial N promotes large early growth which depletes soil moisture, leaving less for seed fill.

Current N fertilizer placement options of side banding, pre-plant banding or early-spring broadcasting with incorporation produce equal yields (44, Saskatchewan). However, urea must be banded at least 2 inches deep to minimize volatilization loss (45, Quebec). Urea broadcast without incorporation or shallow banded (<1.5 inches) produced approximately 4 bushels per acre less seed than urea banded 2 to 3 inches deep, presumably because of volatilization differences (Figure 3). Side-row banding (2 inches from seed row) provides N more quickly than mid-row banding (4.5 inches from seed row), but has lower safe rates (see N rate section; 46, Saskatchewan). Subsurface banding UAN increased yields by 5% over surface banded UAN (47, Saskatchewan).

Phosphorus is best placed within the rooting zone. Seed-placed P is most effective (48, Alberta), especially in areas with cool spring soils. Since canola generally requires more P than is safe to place with seed, the remainder can be side banded at seeding, pre-plant subsurface banded in the fall or spring, or come from soil P built up before the canola rotation. Broadcast P is least efficient and generally not recommended (49, Saskatchewan), particularly if not incorporated. Even with incorporation, broadcast P requires 2 to 4 times the banded rates to get the same yield response (1). Nitrogen and P can be banded together away from seed, and may help with P uptake as long as N is less than 80 or 60 lb N/acre in 12- or 16-inch row spacing respectively (50). Higher N interferes with root growth into the band to access P (51, Alberta).

Potassium can be broadcast in the fall or winter before planting. If applied at seeding, it should not be placed with the seed, rather it is best banded below and to the side of the seed row. Broadcast incorporated K requires up to twice the rates as banded applications for the same yield (23).

Adequate S should be available at emergence. Sulfate fertilizers are best seed-placed, subsurface banded at or before seeding (38, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba), or broadcast and incorporated shortly before seeding (Table 8). Sulfate broadcast even as early as emergence produces lower yields than if broadcast at or before seeding (52, Saskatchewan). Rapid release elemental S (e.g., Vitasul®) broadcast in the fall and incorporated pre-plant in the spring produces yields similar to sulfate spring broadcast and incorporated pre-planting, but Vitasul® releases S too slowly to benefit yield when applied in the spring (53, Saskatchewan). Elemental S provides no benefit if applied in the spring, and only little benefit if broadcast in the fall and left on the surface to oxidize (35, Saskatchewan).

Table 8. Sulfur source and timing to benefit seed yield^(a).

a: See text for references
NR: Not recommended
NI: Not ideal but may benefit yield

Rescue S treatments can be broadcast or foliar applied as sulfate up to early flowering with moderate effectiveness; the earlier the better (52, Saskatchewan). However, foliar applications should wait until after the fifth leaf emergence when leaves are sufficiently waxy to minimize potential leaf burn (27, North Dakota). Both surface and foliar rescue treatments rely on subsequent irrigation or rain to move the S into the soil because little S is taken up through the leaf (1).

The major challenge of micronutrient fertilization is adequate distribution of very small amounts of fertilizer. Ideally, most micronutrients are best broadcast and incorporated before seeding (Table 7). Banding and seed-row placement options are increasing as new products become available that contain micronutrients within other prills such as MAP. Foliar applications can provide micronutrients with even distribution, but generally not in sufficient amounts to correct severe deficiencies (2).

Summary

Producers can’t control the weather, but they can develop a solid yield target and fertility plan. Nitrogen rates depend on yield potential, soil test results and adjustments for soil organic matter and legumes in prior rotations. Phosphorus and K rates are based on soil tests, while field history is important to determine S needs. The fertilizer source influences timing and placement. Sufficient nutrients must be available before early stem elongation. Sources such as granular or prilled elemental S release their nutrients too slowly to benefit canola if applied less than a couple of years before canola is grown. Readily available nutrients such as urea can be applied before or at seeding with additional amounts applied in-season to meet high yield potentials in good crop years. There are limits to amounts and types of fertilizers that can be safely seed-placed to minimize seedling damage. However, small amounts of seed-placed P and S can effectively help canola get a good healthy start. The right rate, source, timing, and placement of nutrients, along with the right rotations, are the basic foundation to optimize economic return of canola and protect soil, water and air resources. Creating check strips and recording results is useful to guide future management decisions. Based on extensive field trials, when the basic best management practices are followed and the weather cooperates, little else matters for a good canola crop. (54, Canadian Prairies).

Appendix

• Safe seed-placed fertilizer rate calculator:
• ‘Extension Publications’ at www.landresources.montana.edu/soilfertility, or by contacting MSU Extension Communications at 406-994-3273 or online at https://extension-store.montana.edu
  • Fertilizer Guidelines for Montana Crops (EB0161)
  • Interpretation of Soil Test Reports (MT200702AG)
  • Plant Nutrient Functions and Deficiency and Toxicity Symptoms (Nutrient Management Module No. 9,    MT4449-9)

Acknowledgements

We appreciate the time and expertise of the following for review and production of this bulletin:

• Dale Flikkema, Producer, Bozeman, Montana Rigas Karamanos, formerly Koch Agronomic Services, Calgary, Alberta
• Ronald Beneda, CHS Inc., Adams, North Dakota
• Shelley Mills, Valley County Extension Agent, Glasgow, Montana
• MSU Extension Communications

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