Nitrogen and Sulfur Content of Canola Grown on a Calcareous Chernozem Soil

Abstract

Canola (Brassica napus L.) has a high nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) requirement. In many regions of the world, S deficiency has been recognized as a limiting factor of production. The aim of the present work was to study the effect of N fertilizer on the yield and N and S contents of canola. Canola was grown on a calcareous chernozem soil in Nagyhörcsök, Hungary (2003–2004) at four autumn and five spring N levels (total 0–425 n ha⁻¹). Nitrogen and S contents were measured several times during plant development. Nitrogen and S contents differed by development stage, plant parts, and N treatment. The relationship of N dose, yield, and N or S contents of canola could be best described by a quadratic equation. The N and S ratio of leaves was lower (2.9–8.2) in all cases than the conventional limit value for canola: ⩽10. Results indicated a sufficient S supply for canola under the present ecological conditions and underlined the determinant role of N fertilization.

Keywords:

• Canola
• nitrogen and sulfur content
• nitrogen fertilization

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support granted by the Hungarian Scientific Research Foundation (OTKA T 033012, OTKA T 042778, OTKA T 046983, and OTKA K 68884).