Weather-Adaptive Fertilisation of Oilseed Rape: Strategies for Optimal Yields
Oilseed rape is a plant that reacts strongly to its environmental conditions. It is therefore important to adapt fertilisation strategies to the prevailing weather conditions. The following section explains how different weather conditions influence the fertilisation of oilseed rape.
In dry conditions, nutrient uptake is reduced, soil compaction is increased and root activity is reduced. Split fertilisation is recommended here, where smaller amounts of nitrogen are applied several times in order to continuously supply the plants with nutrients. Slow-release fertilisers, such as stabilised nitrogen fertilisers, should also be used.
In excessively wet conditions, nutrient availability is jeopardised by leaching and a lack of oxygen in the soil impairs root growth. It is recommended to reduce autumn fertilisation to avoid nitrogen loss through leaching and increase spring fertilisation when the risk of leaching is lower.
Cool temperatures slow down nutrient uptake and restrict the mobilisation of nutrients in the soil. Early nitrogen fertilisation is advisable here to promote plant development after the winter. Fertiliser quantities should also be adjusted to the temperature forecasts.
Spring frost damages leaves and flowers and delays growth. In this case, late, concentrated fertilisation should be applied after the risk of frost has passed to help the plants recover. Preventive management, such as potassium fertilisation to increase frost tolerance, can also be useful.
The fertilisation of rapeseed must be flexibly adapted to the current weather conditions in order to optimally supply the plants with nutrients and at the same time minimise nutrient losses. Continuous soil analyses and field observations are essential in order to be able to adjust the exact nutrient supply. This ensures that the crops can realise their full yield potential even under variable weather conditions