Statistics Canada’s prediction of record canola acres in western Canada this spring will translate into a lot of action on the fields very soon as growers will be rushing to seed as early as they can.

     Statistics Canada’s prediction of record canola acres in western Canada this spring will translate into a lot of action on the fields very soon as growers will be rushing to seed as early as they can.

     Canola Council of Canada agronomist Doug Moisey says there’s important prep work that must be done before growers head for the field.

     He recommends calibrating the seeder to reach target populations of 7-14 plants/ft², taking into account seedling survival can range from 75% to 25%. 

     Optimum seeding depth is 1/2”-1” below the press wheel furrow.

     Any deeper, Moisey says will “increase time to emergence; reduce plant populations; slow seedling growth; delay maturity, and increase the risk of seedling diseases.

     Moisey also cautions growers to slow down!

     Slowing down ensures uniform seed distribution and emergence, as well as maintaining proper seed to fertilizer separation in single pass seeding systems.