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Winter Oilseed Rape

Nitrogen, Phosphour and Potassium

Nitrogen, P and K advice for oil seed rape is shown in Table 1. The first split of N should be applied in late February and the remainder in the first week of April. The first split should be about 30% of the total. It is unlikely that the application of N at sowing time is justified, but if it is used, it should not exceed 40 kg/ha of N. fertiliser applications should not be combined drilled as this may delay germination.

The pH for oil seed rape should be above 6.5.

N, P & K for Winter Oilseed Rape (Kg/ha)
Soil N, P & K IndexNPK*
1 225 55 105
2 180 45 90
3 160 35 75
4 140 None None
*K advice based on 5t/ha

Sulphur

Oil seed rape responds to the application of S on sandy soils. A dressing of 25 kg/ha S should be adequate.

Magnesium

If the soil Mg is Index 1, apply a source of Mg. Use magnesium limestone if the pH is low or 75 kg/ha of calcined magnesite or kieserite every three years.

Boron

Boron should be applied for oil seed rape especially when the soil test is below 1 mg/l. Severe B deficiency causes stunting and brittle petioles, but relatively mild deficiency results in poor seed set and a reduction in seed numbers per pod and seed weight. These conditions can be induced by severe summer drought.

A spray at sowing and in the spring should prevent the occurrence of B deficiency.

Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) Removals for Oilseed Rape

The majority of P and K is removed in the seed at harvest time (6.0kg P /tonne & 9.1 kg K /tonne). The straw contains small amounts of both P and K (0.44kg P /tonne & 5.0 kg K /tonne).

The table below shows the P and K removed in seed and straw based on crop yield (t/ha) and the total removal of P and K by the crop.

Nutrients in Oilseed Rape (seed & straw)*
Crop Yield (t/ha)2345
Seed Only
P 12 18 24 30
K 18 27 36 46
Straw Only
P 0.9 1.3 1.8 2.2
K 10 15 20 25
Total P & K Removal in Seed and Straw
P 12.9 19.3 25.8 32.2
K 28 42 56 71

* Take note the figures in the above table do not take account of additional P and K required to build soil fertility at low soil indexes (Index 1 or 2). Consult the Teagasc Green Book for additional P & K for building soil fertility to the optimum soil index 3.