Nitrogen fertilization of canola and wheat grown on fallow fields

Non-Peer ReviewedThis is the second year of a three-year project to assess N fertilizer needs of canola and wheat grown on fallow fields. The project is being carried out at six sites (three in Saskatchewan and three in Alberta) utilizing a uniform protocol of six N rates (0, 20, 30 40 and 50 kg N ha-1 for wheat and 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 kg N ha-1for canola) arranged in a randomized complete block design. Other nutrients are applied as per soil test requirements. Environmental conditions over the first two years covered the two extremes, i.e., dry in 2003 and wet in 2004. Although the magnitude of response was markedly different between the two years, a response was nevertheless was obtained in both instances with the application of 10 to 30 kg N ha-1 in the drier year and 50 to 75 kg N ha-1 in the wet year. Yield increases in both years were both agronomically and economically significant. Data from this project will be utilized to drawing a strategy for fertilizing crop grown on fallow fields based on agroecological and economic risks