Significant Nitrogen by Sulfur Interactions Occurred for Canola Grain Production and Oil Concentration in Grain on Sandy Soils in the Mediterranean-Type Climate of Southwestern Australia

ABSTRACT

The nitrogen (N) by sulfur (S) interaction for canola (Brassica napus L.) grain production and oil concentration in grain has been quantified in temperate climates, but it is not known if these results also apply to sandy soils common in the Mediterranean-type climate of southwestern Australia where canola is now a major crop. Seventeen field experiments were undertaken with canola in the region during 1994 to 2005 in which 4 rates of both N (0–138 kg N/ha) and S (0–34 kg S/ha) were applied. Significant grain yield responses to applied N occurred in all experiments and the responses increased as more S was applied. Grain yield responses to applied S only occurred when N was applied and tended to increase as more N was applied. When no S was applied the two largest rates of N applied, 69 and 138 kg N/ha, induced S deficiency reducing grain yields. The oil concentration in grain tended to decrease as more N was applied and increased as more S was applied, particularly when the two largest rates of N were applied. Consequently significant N × S interactions were obtained in all experiments for grain production and in 15 experiments for oil concentration in grain.

Keywords:

• Canola
• nitrogen
• sulfur
• nitrogen by sulfur interaction
• sandy soils
• oil concentration in grain

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Funds were provided by the Government of Western Australia and by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (project number DAW0075). Experiments from 1994–1996 were conducted by M.G. Mason. Technical assistance was provided by T. D. Hilder, R. J. Lunt, J. Majewski, and F. M. O'Donnell. Soil and plant chemical analyses were done by chemists of the Chemistry Centre (WA).