Preparing a seedbed for Canola

By: Nicholas Dee Scott

Seedbed preparation

Canola can be planted no-till, but better results are often achieved through tilling the field first.

Seedbed preparationSince canola needs to be planted relatively shallow, a finely-prepared, packed, and clean-tilled seedbed allows more uniform seeding depth.

Seedbed preparation

Tillage can help with incorporation of fertilizer into the rootzone, improving fall growth and reducing the chance of insect injury to emerging seedlings.

Seedbed preparation A firm, level seedbed is the most important factor for even stand establishment and higher yields. Soils should be firm enough that heel marks are no deeper than the sole of a workboot.

Seedbed preparationA firm seedbed will also help to hold moisture near the surface. A crumbly soil surface does not puddle and crust after a heavy rain.

Excessive tillage can cause soil moisture loss and surface crusting.

Seedbed preparationCanola is very susceptible to soil crusting.

Seedbed preparation. Canola needs a seedbed that is free of debris.

Seedbed preparationIn a field with a lot of debris such as old corn ground, it is wise to use a moldboard plow such as this to turn all trash under.

Seedbed preparation

Seedbed preparationOn ground such as old soy stubble where there is little to no debris then minimal tillage is needed. A mulch tiller such as this will be suitable for the primary tillage.

Seedbed preparation Chisel plowing or mulch tilling won’t do a good enough job on corn ground.

Seedbed preparationAfter the primary tillage is done then the field should be gone over with a field cultivator. This is to help level off the field and to break up some of the clumps left by the plow. This step my not be necessary if soil conditions where good when plowing.

Seedbed preparationThen comes disking. Disk harrows are highly versatile residue-management tools.  Depending on how you operate these machines, you can vary surface residue levels from 20% to 70% in just one pass.

Seedbed preparationFinal seedbed prep is packing. This is a very necessary step since the bed needs to be firm in order to plant. This can also be done again after it is planted.

Seedbed preparationThere are also combination tillage tools out there that make it so the number of trips over the field are less. This helps with saving time, fuel and helps with soil compaction as well.

Seedbed preparation

Field cultivator with a bed finisher on the back.

Seedbed preparationCultimulchers have rollers then harrow points then another set of rollers.

Seedbed preparation

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