By Nicole Reis

Nutrient deficiency and high moisture could affect Canola crops

Jul 16, 2020 | 5:45 PM

MEADOW LAKE, Sask – Northwest Saskatchewan and a majority of the Prairies has been experiencing heavy rainfall which could translate in to nutrient deficiencies for Canola crops.

According to the Canola Council of Canada, sulphur deficiency is typical in sandy soil with low organic matter. Heavy rains can reduce sulphur availability as in most Prairie soil, sulphate is not held by organic matter and clay particles since both are negatively charged. With that in mind, sulphate is vulnerable to leaching losses and can be highly variable across a field where deficiencies show up in patches

Ian Epp, Agronomy Specialist with the Canola Council of Canada told meadowlakeNOW while parts of northern Saskatchewan have experienced significant moisture from seeding onward, Canola crops are looking good despite the moisture, in and out of flowering is when lighter texture soil and sandier tend to have nitrogen and sulphur leaching out of the soils profile.

“What a grower may have planned for fertility program may not be sufficient or having some issues especially now toward the end of the fertilizer uptake part of the season,” he said.

There are some things growers can do, depending on the type of Canola. Nitrogen could still be applied if Canola is still not quite full flowering or early on.

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“We’re getting toward the end of the nitrogen application so growers could top it up,” he said. “Sulphur deficiency, you might be able to top dress or add some sulphur. You could add sulphur but the plant does need it a little later in the season.”

Epp advises when plant deficiencies are noted early at this time of year, the first thing always is to get boots on the ground to scout the fields. Sulphur deficiency might look like purpling or cupped leaves. Epp says while a number of things can cause purpling in Canola leaves, consulting with an agronomist can clarify the issue.

“This time of year, sulphur could be a cause,” he said. “Leaves yellowing, or if the plants are dropping some of its bottom leaves, that can be a sign of nitrogen deficiency. [These are] issues that can cause yield loss at this point given how wet it is.”

If those issues appearing in your field, work with a local agronomist and consider the seasons timing. If your Canola is just starting to flower, you might be able to add some nitrogen, if your Canola is finished flowering, it’s almost too late but during flowering a small amount of sulphur could be added if needed.

“This is not ideal, but we probably weren’t expecting this much moisture as well,” Epp said.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722