Demonstrating the Efficacy of Foliar-Applied Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria for Canola
Term: 1 year, ending 2024
Status: Complete
Researcher(s): Chris Holzapfel, IHARF; Mike Hall, ECRF; Brianne McInnis, NARF; Robin Lokken, CLC; Kayla Slind, WARC; Gursahib Singh, ICDC, Amber Wall, WCA; Lana Shaw, SERF
SaskCanola Investment: —
Total Project Cost: $67,000
Funding Partners: ADOPT
Objective
The project objective was to demonstrate the effects of commercially-available, foliar-applied nitrogen (N) fixing bacteria products on the yield and seed quality of canola grown under varying fertility levels and contrasting environments.
Conclusions
With the exception of 2/8 sites which were excluded from the combined statistical analyses, we observed the expected increases in seed yield and protein concentrations along with reductions in seed oil concentrations with the addition of N fertilizer in the form of the side-banded urea. We did not, however, observe any effects on these variables that could indicate improved N status or biological N2 fixation associated with the foliar applications of the biological products demonstrated in this project. This was the case, regardless of the environmental conditions encountered (i.e., site) or overall N fertility level (i.e., N fertilizer rate). While we cannot rule out that positive responses might occur with either different crop types or under environmental conditions that were not met in the current project, we did our best to allow the foliar products to succeed. This included careful storage of the products, using distilled water as a carrier, ensuring adequate water volumes, attempting to apply the biological products during cooler conditions, and testing them under N limiting conditions. These results are generally consistent with those of a similar project conducted with spring wheat, field-scale trials funded by SaskWheat and SaskCanola, and complementary, ongoing research at the University of Saskatchewan. With all this in mind, we recommend that farmers avoid reducing their N fertilizer rates when using biological products intended to improve N nutrition in crop production and utilize untreated check strips (preferably replicated) to confirm whether or not they are realizing any benefits on their own farms.
Final Report PDF: Demonstrating the Efficacy of Foliar-Applied Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria for Canola