Project Abstract

Conservation tillage practices including no-tillage and reduced tillage have been widely adopted in the Canadian prairies. However, proper residue management of the previous crops is challenging, which may lead to cold and wet seedbed conditions and improper seed to soil contact during seeding.

Despite the availability of high-quality canola (Brassica napus L.) seeds, initial crop establishment in the fields has been observed to be variable and low (approx. 50%). Lack of residue management can further impact canola emergence and seedling survival.

Higher seedling emergence is required for improved canola yield and seed quality. This study proposes to test the efficiency of management practices including strip tillage and precision planting in managing crop residues and improving canola emergence, growth, and yield.

Methods

Small plot field trials will be conducted for three years under dryland and irrigated conditions at two locations in dark-brown and brown soil zones, respectively. This study will consist of three tillage systems ≥ strip tillage, no tillage and conventional tillage. Four seeding methods will be tested, including precision planting and three conventional seeding methods.

Treatments
	Conventional seeding methods will employ commonly used air drill openers on 12-inch row spacing with varying levels of soil disturbance and seed bed utilization (SBU).
	This will include a 1-inch narrow knife opener (10% Seed Bed Utilization), a 3-inch hoe opener (30% SBU), and a disc-hoe opener (10% SBU).
	Split plot RCBD design will be used with the tillage systems as the main plot and seeding methods as the subplots.
	Precision planting will be done by using a Monosem vacuum planter (Monosem Inc., Edwardsville, KS).
	Canola will be seeded at 1.3 cm (0.5 inch) depth at 30.5 cm (15 inch) rows spacing (with the planter) targeting a seeding rate of 60 seeds m2.

Prior to seeding, soil samples will be tested for nutrient content to determine fertilizer requirements at each site. Herbicide spray applications will be performed as per the recommended schedule for the region at each site.