Objectives
To demonstrate the response of flax to applications of varying rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S) fertilizer. Implications of phosphorus, potassium and sulphur fertilizer placement (seed-placed versus side-banded) on flax emergence and seed yield were also investigated.
Project Description
The Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation (IHARF) conducted field demonstrations in 2013 and 2014 on behalf of the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission (SaskFlax) to demonstrate the response of flax to applications of varying rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S) fertilizer. Implications of phosphorus, potassium and sulphur fertilizer placement on flax emergence and seed yield were also investigated. Fifteen fertilizer treatments in total were arranged in a RCBD and replicated four times. All N fertilizer was side-banded urea while monoammonium phosphate, potassium chloride and ammonium sulphate were either side banded or seed-placed according to the protocol. Flax plant populations were reduced with seed-placed P-K-S fertilizer, but only in 2013 and only at the higher rates. Side-banded P-K-S fertilizer did not affect plant populations in either year, regardless of the rates applied. There was a strong overall flax yield response to fertilizer in both years relative to the unfertilized check; however, the yield response to P-K-S was more prominent in 2013 where overall yields were much higher and soil residual P and S levels were lower. While the project has demonstrated the overall need for adequate fertility to maximize flax yields it has also reinforced the importance of soil tests, environmental conditions and managing other potentially yield limiting factors with respect to crop response to fertilizer.
