Canola in the Cropping System

By Zachary Fore, University of Minnesota Extension Cropping Systems Specialist

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Prairie Grains is the official publication of
the Minnesota
Association of
Wheat Growers,
North Dakota Grain Growers Association,
South Dakota Wheat, Inc., and the Minnesota Barley Growers Association.

anola is a crop on the rise: In 1995 about 271,000 acres of canola were planted in North Dakota and Minnesota. Acreage rose to 569,000 in 1997, and 991,000 in 1998. About 80% of

The primary reason for the rapid rise in canola acres is profitability. The total cost of raising canola is very similar to that of spring wheat – averaging about $140/ac. At a price of $0.11 per pound, it takes a yield of 1,282 lb/ac to break even. The average yield of all canola varieties tested in the Minnesota Varietal Trials program from 1991-1998 was 2,202 lb/ac. The best varieties over that period of time averaged 2,300 to 2,600 lb/ac.

Although it is very difficult to get the same yields on a whole field basis as in small yield plots, canola has proved to be a profitable crop for those growing it - even during the last 8 years when crop production has been extremely challenging (Table 1).

Table 1. Net Return to Canola in Northwest Minnesota from 1991 - 1997.
Source: Northwest Minnesota Farm Business Management Program.

The average return from 1991-1997 was $23/acre. A negative net return was observed only in 1995, when yields were depressed by environmental conditions. Any crop that has a good chance of being profitable is very welcome, especially in times of low commodity prices. Canola has numerous advantages, and, like any crop, has its challenges regarding how it fits in the cropping system.

The price of canola tracks with other oil crops such as soybeans and sunflower. Canola is a preferred oil, and therefore increased production of canola will displace other oil crops, but will not likely drive the price of canola below that of other oil crops.

Canola in the crop rotation

Canola is an excellent crop to rotate with cereal grains such as wheat, barley, oats, and corn. The data in Table 2 indicate that canola yields better when the previous crop was wheat or oats than when the previous crop was flax or canola. Wheat yielded better when the previous crop was canola than when the previous crop was wheat, barley, or oats.

Table 2. Effects of Previous Crops on Canola and Wheat Yield.
Source: Melfort, Canada - 8 year study

However, care must be taken when rotating canola with broadleaf crops such as soybeans and sunflowers. Care must also be taken regarding how often canola can be grown on the same field. One of the primary concerns is sclerotinia white mold. Canola is intermediate in sensitivity to sclerotinia, being more tolerant than sunflowers and less tolerant than soybeans.

Other disease organisms can also build when canola is grown too often, or too close to soybeans and sunflowers in the rotation. Recommended rotational intervals are: Four years between canola crops and canola and sunflower crops, and three years between canola and soybeans. These intervals should be lengthened if sclerotinia has been a severe problem, and may be shortened if diseases have not been a problem, and the grower is willing to take more risk.

Here are some of the advantages of canola in the cropping system:
• Profitability
• Well adapted to our growing season – typically matures 80 -100 days after planting
• Allows time for fall soil preparation
• Plant residue is easy to manage
• Works well in rotation with small grains and corn

Here are some of the disadvantages or challenges with canola in the cropping system:
• Seed bed must be in excellent condition — lumps or heavy crop residue can be a problem
• May require additional equipment such as a swather and swath roller
• Must be swathed, and swaths should be packed to eliminate blowing across fields
• Must use a pickup header to harvest swaths
• Not many chemical weed control options (although Roundup-Ready canola is coming)
• Wild mustard and dockage from it can be a problem.
• A sclerotinia host — limits rotation options
• Volunteers common the following year
• Shattering can be a problem

With proper management, canola can continue to be an excellent option for many growers in the northern plains, and new genetics continue to improve the yield and adaptability of the crop.