Optimizing nitrogen fertilization for hybrid canola (Brassica napus L.) production across Canada

Abstract

Context or problemHybrids are currently the dominant varieties in canola production, but their yield response to nitrogen (N) application across Canada has not been adequately updated. As a result, there is a lack of effective N management guidelines for modern hybrid canola to reach their full yield potential and cope with growing abiotic stresses caused by climate change. Objectives or research questionsThis study was designed to investigate the responses of yield and N use efficiency (NUE) of modern canola hybrids to N fertilization for determining site-specific economic optimum N rates (EONR). Additionally, the key driving factors of canola yields and N recommendations were identified. MethodsA 32 site-year field study across Canada was conducted to test 8 combinations of N rates and application methods on 2 site-specific hybrids in each trial. ResultsNitrogen fertilization greatly increased canola yield by an average of 41%, with significant responses in 19 out of 32 trials. Split-N strategy led to similar yield, NUE, and yield response index compared to preplant-only N application. However, these traits varied among hybrids due to different growing environments and hybrid-specific tolerance to abiotic stresses. The number of heat-stress days and heat-induced thermal accumulation surrounding the 4 weeks before and post-flowering stage directly determined the canola responses to N fertilization and EONR. ConclusionsOur results suggest a site-specific EONR of 146–166 kg N ha−1 in the Black soil zone, 85–100 kg N ha−1 in the low-yielding Brown soil zone, and 140 kg N ha−1 in Ontario, preferably with a split-N strategy for hybrid canola production. The split-N fertilization is generally recommended, as it provides an opportunity to adjust the amount of topdressing N based on historical and early season weather conditions to achieve the dual goals of increasing canola productivity and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fertilizer use. The energy and time costs must be considered when making practical decisions. Environment-specific selection of canola hybrids also played an important role in the response to N, with ‘6074RR’ in favorable weather and ‘L233P’ in drought-prone conditions appearing to be good choices for specific ecoregions.