Effect of Site Specific Nitrogen Management on Seed Nitrogen—A Driving Factor of Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) Yield
Remigiusz Łukowiak, W. Grzebisz
Abstract
It has been assumed that the management of both soil and fertilizer N in winter oilseed rape (WOSR) is crucial for N accumulation in seeds (Nse) and yield. This hypothesis was evaluated based on field experiments conducted in 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11 seasons, each year at two sites, differing in soil fertility, including indigenous N (Ni) supply. The experimental factors consisted of two N fertilizers: N and NS, and four Nf rates: 0, 80, 120, 160 kg ha−1. Yield, as governed by site × Nf rate interaction, responded linearly to Nse at harvest. The maximum Nse (Nsemax), as evaluated by N input (Nin = Ni + Nf) to WOSR at spring regrowth, varied from 95 to 153 kg ha−1, and determined 80% of yield variability. The basic reason of site diversity in Nsemax was Ni efficiency, ranging from 46% to 70%, respectively. The second cause of Nse variability was a shortage of N supply from + 9.5 soil to −8.8 kg ha−1 to the growing seeds during the seed filling period (SFP). This N pool supports the N concentration in seeds, resulting in both seed density and a seed weight increase, finally leading to a yield increase.