August, 2020
Page 9
SARDA Ag Research News
Seeding Canola The effects of seeding depth and seed size
Few would argue that canola is the cash crop of the Prairies. With the development of many new varieties and genetics, seeds vary in size. Regardless of the variables, growing canola comes with a significant expense. Along with the purchase of the seed and the cost of seeding, many of the seeds do not grow for various reasons. As a producer, if you are achieving 70% establishment, you are doing exceptionally well. Producers want to ensure they are getting the most value for their money and want to know optimum seeding depth based on seed size. Seeding depth is one of the easiest objects to change during the spring and although, most research shows that canola does better if seeded shallow, it is easy to set the seed drill to follow the soil moisture level. So, how deep is too deep, and does the size of the seed affect how deep you can seed without jeopardizing the establishment of the crop?
To answer these questions, SARDA Ag Research, the Battle River Research Group (BRRG), and the Lakeland Agricultural Research Association (LARA) have put together a trial to explore seeding depth and seed size over three years in three locations. By running the trials over three years and in three locations in the province, wwe hope to see a variety of climatic conditions and be able to establish some guidelines for seeding canola with regards to the interaction between seed size and seeding depth. All treatments at all locations will be grown following optimum agronomic practices. The questions to be answered are: 1. Does the seed size affect the establishment and maturity level of the crop and ultimately yield and quality? 2. Does the seeding depth affect the establishment and maturity level of the crop and ultimately yield and quality?
