Abstract
This study explores canola production in the south eastern United States in order to successfully adapt to the market demand for high valued oilseeds. Two primary objectives were established, determining yield response, and oil quality of harvested seed. Two canola cultivars were evaluated for production in a Piedmont soil (Mecklenburg Sandy Clay Loam) at NC A&T State University research farm located in Greensboro, NC (Guilford County). The study was conducted using a split-plot design with the main plot factor cultivar (Virginia and DKW 46-15), and subplot factor fertilizer rate: (N-P2O5-K2O) in (kg/ha) 0-0-0 (T1), 70-28-84 + Soysoap (T2), 14056-168 (T3) and 140-56-168+Soysoap (T4). Canola oil was extracted using a soxhlet apparatus. For both seed and oil yield response, the effects of fertilizer treatment and cultivar were significant influences. Seed and oil yield response was statistically higher for DKW 46-15 compared to the Virginia cultivar. Application of treatment T4 will maximize oil and seed yield compared to treatments T2 & T1 fertilizer treatments. Higher erucic fatty acid concentrations were found in oil originating from Virginia seeds compared to DKW 46-15. Based on yield response and fatty acid composition, DKW 46-15 might better serve the bio-material feedstock supply chain compared to the Virginia cultivar when produced in the piedmont region of North Carolina.
Highlights
Canola, palm, soybeans, and sunflower seeds contribute up to 79% of the global vegetable oil on the market (Dyer et al 2008)
This study explores canola production in the south eastern United States in order to successfully adapt to the market demand for high valued oilseeds
Oil quality was accessed through total fatty acid analysis that evaluated 5 important fatty acid concentrations related to canola
Summary
Palm, soybeans, and sunflower seeds contribute up to 79% of the global vegetable oil on the market (Dyer et al 2008) Due to both the increasing demand for food consumption in conjunction with the increased interest in bio-fuel feedstock’s, consumption of vegetable oil has increased 50% over the past decade (Lu et al 2011). Our goal was to ease the transition of canola production into the southeastern US To accomplish this we need to find the highest yielding varieties suitable to our climate, as well as determine optimum fertilizer application rate. Soysoap is a bio-based surfactant currently available on the market for multiple agricultural applications that has the potential for reducing nitrogen supplementation while increasing efficiency of nutrient uptake. Our goal was to achieve increased seed and oil yields while simultaneously reducing fertilizer inputs
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