Reducing toxicity of seed-placed phosphorus fertilizer in oilseed crops

The Challenge

The recommended rate of phosphorus fertilizer is toxic to canola seeds and/or seedlings if placed with seed at the time of seeding. The alternative option is sideband or mid-row band high rates of P, which is not an option for many growers.

The Project

Determine the maximum safe rate of seed-placed phosphorus fertilizer with different opener widths and row spacing while developing guidelines for growers to use.

The Results

Growers seeding at 12” row spacing should avoid using openers less than 2” wide if seed-placing phosphorus fertilizer. At 12” row spacing, using 4” wide openers can help to reduce toxicity of seed-placed phosphorus fertilizer.

Grower Benefits

Understanding of how to reduce toxicity caused by seed-placed phosphorus fertilizer will aid in growing a healthy canola crop.