Welcome to our concise guide on nutrient management for growing oilseed rape. We’ll cover essential aspects of fertilisation, with a focus on critical nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and sulphur. Understanding the right timing and dosage for these nutrients is key to maximising your crop’s yield and quality. Whether you’re an experienced farmer or new to oilseed rape cultivation, this guide will provide you with practical insights and recommendations to enhance your crop’s growth and ensure sustainable farming practices.

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Nitrogen Deficiency

Nitrogen is easily lost to leaching via water. The key to success is to provide the right amount at the right time, as this allows the WOSR to use the maximum amount of nitrogen.

  • It is recommended to split up the applications after the winter and not to exceed 100kg/ha per application.
  • By observing these rules, you maximise the efficiency of your fertilisation investments while reducing your environmental impact by limiting losses through :
    • volatilisation in the form of NH3
    • pollution of groundwater in the form of NO3 nitrates, due to washing out and leaching

Rapeseed is a very demanding plant in terms of phosphorus use,; however, it is less demanding with respect to potash. If no fertiliser was applied in the year before the WOSR was planted, it is recommended to apply both minerals prior to sowing. To estimate the amount of phosphorus and potash required, please refer to the table below.

Targeting different yield goals
Target 3T/ha
P205K20
Poor soilWell-supplied soilRich soilPoor soilWell-supplied soilRich soil
Amount for the last year9050050300
Amount for 2 years or more1207030604020
Target 3.5T/ha
P205K20
Poor soilWell-supplied soilRich soilPoor soilWell-supplied soilRich soil
Amount for the last year10060050300
Amount for 2 years or more1508030604020
Target 4T/ha
P205K20
Poor soilWell-supplied soilRich soilPoor soilWell-supplied soilRich soil
Amount for the last year11070050400
Amount for 2 years or more16010040705020

Winter oilseed rape is a demanding crop in terms of sulphur requirements. A sulphur deficiency can have serious consequences for the final yields. WOSR requires sulphur inputs in the form of sulphate. Timing wise, it is important to add 75kg/ha of sulphate (S03) at the beginning of bolting. If organic fertiliser has been spread on the field, take into account the amount of sulphur in it when calculating your sulphate application.

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