Impact of Row Spacing, Sowing Density and Nitrogen Fertilization on Yield and Quality Traits of chia (Salvia Hispanica L.) Cultivated in southwestern Germany

Abstract

To obtain high chia seed yields and seed qualities, a suitable crop management system needs to be developed for the given growing conditions in southwestern Germany. Field experiments were conducted at the experimental station Ihinger Hof in two consecutive years (2016, 2017). The study aimed to evaluate yield and quality traits of chia depending on different (i) row spacing (35, 50 and 75 cm), (ii) sowing densities (1, 1.5 and 2 kg ha−1) and, (iii) N-fertilization rates (0, 20 and 40 kg N ha−1). It consisted of three independent, completely randomized field experiments with three replications. Results showed that chia seed yields ranged from 618.39 to 1171.33 kg ha−1 and that a thousand seed mass of 1.14 to 1.24 g could be obtained. Crude protein-, crude oil- and mucilage contents varied from 18.11–23.91%, 32.16–33.78% and 10.00–13.74%, respectively. Results indicated that the year of cultivation and the accompanied environmental conditions, like precipitation or temperature, influenced the determined traits more than the applied agronomic practices. As average seed yields exceeded those obtained in the countries of origin (Mexico, Guatemala) while having comparable quality characteristics, chia holds great potential as an alternative crop for farmers in southwestern Germany.

Characterization and Evaluation of Salvia hispanica L. and Salvia columbariae Benth. Varieties for Their Cultivation in Southwestern Germany

“…Previously conducted field trials by Grimes et al [22,23] showed that cultivated Salvia hispanica L. varieties required 65 to 74 days in order to induce flowering, while the radiation and day length obtained were similar (~10,200 Wh/m 2 ; 15.8 h) to the present study. In addition, it could be shown that during those previously conducted field trials, cultivated Salvia hispanica L. varieties accumulated more growing degree days (463-545), and the average mean temperature until flower induction tended to be lower (16.8-18.0 • C) compared to the present study [22,23].…”

“…Previously conducted field trials by Grimes et al [22,23] showed that cultivated Salvia hispanica L. varieties required 65 to 74 days in order to induce flowering, while the radiation and day length obtained were similar (~10,200 Wh/m 2 ; 15.8 h) to the present study. In addition, it could be shown that during those previously conducted field trials, cultivated Salvia hispanica L. varieties accumulated more growing degree days (463-545), and the average mean temperature until flower induction tended to be lower (16.8-18.0 • C) compared to the present study [22,23]. The results of the present study therefore verify the findings of Grimes et al [22] and Baginsky et al [6], which identified the threshold of 15.8 h of daylength for flower induction to be adequate for the two newly cultivated varieties (SALV66 and Golden Chia), being of higher importance for their development than the accumulated growing degree days.…”

“…The general feasibility of chia cultivation in southwestern Germany was proven by Grimes et al as varieties, either adapted or insensitive to photoperiod, have been made available [22]. On this basis, a suitable cropping system was developed for southwestern Germany [23]. Within the genus Salvia, two varieties, namely SALV66 (Salvia hispanica L.) and Golden Chia (Salvia columbariae Benth.…”

“…In 2016 and 2017, single-row field trials took place at the experimental station Ihinger Hof and solely served the purpose of seed multiplication of SALV66 and Golden Chia, which were identified through the previously conducted climate chamber trial. In 2018, a field trial was set up to test the overall performance of the selected varieties shown in Figure 1 in comparison to G8, which has already been cultivated for several years at Ihinger Hof [22,23].…”

“…Agronomy 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 22 field trial was set up to test the overall performance of the selected varieties shown in Figure 1 in comparison to G8, which has already been cultivated for several years at Ihinger Hof [22,23]. "golden chia") varieties.…”