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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 47(8)

Effect of fertiliser phosphorus and nitrogen on the concentrations of oil and protein in grain and the grain yield of canola (Brassica napus L.) grown in south-western Australia

R. F. Brennan A D and M. D. A. Bolland B C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Agriculture and Food, 444 Albany Highway, Albany, WA 6330, Australia.

B Department of Agriculture and Food, PO Box 1231, Bunbury, WA 6231, Australia.

C School of Plant Biology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: rbrennan@agric.wa.gov.au

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47(8) 984-991 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA06115
Submitted: 1 April 2006  Accepted: 23 February 2007   Published: 16 July 2007

Abstract

The effect of fertiliser phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) on seed (grain) yield and concentration of oil and protein in grain of canola (oil-seed rape; Brassica napus L.) was measured in two field experiments undertaken at eight sites from 1993–2005 in south-western Australia, on soils deficient in P and N. Six rates of P (0–40 kg P/ha as single superphosphate) and four rates of N (0–138 kg N/ha as urea) were applied. Significant grain yield increases (responses) to applied P occurred in both experiments and these responses increased as rates of applied N increased. For grain production, the P × N interaction was significant in all eight years and locations of the two experiments. Application of P had no effect on concentration of oil and protein in grain. Application of N always decreased the concentration of oil and increased the concentration of protein in grain. For canola grain production in the region, responses to applied N always occur whereas responses to applied P are rare, but if soil P testing indicates likely P deficiency, both P and N fertiliser need to be applied.

Additional keywords: bicarbonate-extractable soil phosphorus, oil concentration, phosphorus and nitrogen interaction, protein concentration.


Acknowledgements

Funds were provided by the Grain Research and Development Corporation (Project DAW0075) and by the Government of Western Australian. Soil and plant chemical analyses were done by chemists of the Chemistry Centre (WA). Technical assistance was provided by T. D. Hilder, R. J. Lunt and F. M. O’Donnell. Positive comments of two anonymous referees helped improve our paper.


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