Managing canopy variation in oilseed crops this spring

With prices being so much better than this time last year for oilseed rape it means that more is in the ground than was predicted for this season. However it’s been another mixed autumn for oilseed rape growers with some establishing well versus some horror stories of rape being re-drilled 3 or even 4 times in cabbage stem flea beetle problem areas. 

For those who are looking at managing forward canopies of oilseed rape this spring, the good news is that nitrogen already in the crop allows for a reduction in spring nitrogen applications. Although this sounds good, it’s more difficult to follow than it sounds, as everyone is aware of the role of nitrogen in building yield. Tools such as the Yara N-Sensor or the smartphone app ImageIT can help to give confidence in decisions to reduce nitrogen inputs where the opportunity exists, without risking yield penalties.

For more information on oilseed rape spring management there are two upcoming 3x3 events in Lincolnshire and Oxfordshire on the 8th and 10th February respectively. For more information and to book a place visit the Yara Events page.