Western Australia
April 1, 2015
DAFWA development officer Jackie Bucat with the new Canola Seeding Rate Calculator, available on the department’s website
Canola growers now have access to a new, free online tool to maximise crop establishment and yield potential.
The Canola Seeding Rate Calculator, developed by the Department of Agriculture and Food, provides a quick and easy way for growers to determine the optimal seeding rate for individual paddocks.
Development officer Jackie Bucat said the calculator could also assist growers to reduce costs.
“The Canola Seeding Rate Calculator will enable growers to get the most out of their seed, some of which can be very expensive,” Ms Bucat said.
“Getting the seeding rate right for the season in question is imperative to both maximise yields, as well as not waste seed – and money – by overplanting.”
To calculate the canola seeding rate, growers need to enter the target density, seeds per kilogram, germination percentage and field establishment.
While the number of seeds per kilogram and the germination percentage is provided by the seller, the site also links to an information page to help growers fill in some of the other inputs.
“The page provides a guide to a grower’s target plant density by taking into account their rainfall region and whether their seed is a hybrid or open pollinated,” Ms Bucat said.
“Another guide to the potential field establishment is provided by taking into account the type of seed and the seasonal conditions.”
The calculator also links to a Recording Sheet for Seeding Rates, to assist growers’ records and to review and compare paddock performance.
Ms Bucat said the Canola Seeding Rate Calculator would also enable some growers to reduce their area sown, without sacrificing crop establishment and yield potential.
“The calculator enables growers to explore the differences in seeding rates, with different seeding conditions,” she said.
Ms Bucat said the tool will give growers more confidence in their decisions about canola seeding rates.
“However, the tool is only as good as the information that is entered,” she said.
The tool was developed as part of the department’s Tactical Break Crop Agronomy project and is co-funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
To access the tool visit agric.wa.gov.au and search for ‘canola seeding rate calculator’.
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