Canola Fertilization

Maximum economic yields of high quality canola cannot be obtained without adequate fertilization if the crop is grown on soils deficient in essential elements.

Under good environmental conditions and proper management, yields beyond 2,000 pounds are not uncommon. Canola will respond to nutrients similar to other major crops we grow. A 1400 pound yield would require 90 pounds of total soil nitrogen.

Canola growing on soils that test low in phosphorous would require 40 pounds of broadcast phosphorous for 1400 pound yield.

Canola is extremely sensitive to fertilizer placed with the seed in comparison with wheat and barley. Do not exceed 5 pounds of actual nitrogen and/or potassium drill row applied with the seed. Sulfur is very important to canola, see NDSU circular SF-1122 for more details and recommendations.