Summary
A field trial was conducted to determine the response of rapeseed (Brassica napus cv. Marnoo) to two irrigation treatments and six nitrogen fertilizer treatments. Dry matter accumulation, leaf area development and seed yield were measured. The dry matter and seed yield response to applied nitrogen was greater under irrigated compared to rainfed conditions. Maximum seed yield (approx. 3.8 t ha−1) was obtained from the irrigated treatment receiving 100 kg N ha−1 applied at sowing. This high rate of N application at sowing led to more rapid leaf area development and higher maximum LAI compared to treatments supplied with split application of the same amount of N at sowing and rosette stages. Greater partitioning of dry matter into the leaf component and higher specific leaf areas under the higher N regime were largely responsible for this increase. Higher maximum LAI's were associated with greater numbers of pods per plant, which combined with longer leaf area duration led to higher final seed yields.
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Wright, G.C., Smith, C.J. & Woodroofe, M.R. The effect of irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer on rapeseed (Brassica napes) production in South-Eastern Australia. Irrig Sci 9, 1–13 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00292139
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00292139