Spring and Winter Canola: Tillage

Excerpt from Agronomy Guide for Field Crops (Chapter 8)

Order OMAFRA Publication 811: Agronomy Guide for Field Crops

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Tillage Options
   • Conventional Tillage
   • Mulch Tillage
   • No-Till
   • Soil Compaction
   • Field Variability
3. Updates on Spring and Winter Canola: Tillage

Introduction

Spring canola is an oilseed crop well suited to cool temperate areas of Ontario. While it is not a large acreage crop, it can be the most profitable crop grown in adapted areas. Seeding and management of winter canola is generally similar to spring canola. The differences in required management are outlined below.

Tillage Options

Conventional Tillage

Most canola is grown under conventional tillage. Because lumpy seedbeds interfere with seed-to-soil contact, fall primary tillage is preferred on clay or clay loam soils. Spring secondary tillage should be kept to a minimum to preserve as much soil moisture as possible.

The amount of tillage required will depend on soil type and spring weather conditions. Efficient tillage of stubble and control of volunteer canola and cruciferous weeds, such as wild mustard, will help reduce disease levels. This is particularly important on headlands.

Mulch Tillage

Canola performs very well with reduced tillage systems provided seeding equipment can place the seed below the residue and in firm contact with the soil. Slugs can severely reduce a stand under heavy residue cover and moist conditions.

No-Till

No-till canola has proven to be a workable system where residue distribution, weed control and fertilizer placement are optimized. The soil moisture conserved with no-till systems can be beneficial during a dry growing season. Canola is less tolerant to dry conditions than cereals. Slugs can be a problem with heavy surface residues, particularly cereal residue.

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Soil Compaction

Compacted soils inhibit root growth, which in turn can result in nutrient deficiencies and drought stress in the crop. Compacted soils may remain wetter in the spring, delaying planting and increasing the potential for root rots. Soil compaction can be avoided by minimizing the number of passes across the field with heavy equipment before and after planting. Fields should not be tilled under wet conditions (refer to the section Soil Compaction).

Field Variability

Canola responds to well-drained fields with a minimum pH of 5.5. Fields with variable drainage and pH will have variable stands and yield.

Updates on Spring and Winter Canola: Tillage

No updates available at this time.

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Related Links

• Canola
• Soil Management