Optimization of Canola Agronomic Yield Submitted to Different Doses of Potassium in Flowering

Abstract

Providing nutrients in quantities and at the right time is of paramount importance to obtain high yields in canola culture. The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic performance of the Hyola 433 hybrid, submitted to potassium fertilization during flowering, during the 2016/2017 harvest. A randomized block design with four repetitions was used, in a 2x5 factorial scheme, with two canola phenological stages (F1 and F2) and five potassium doses in coverage (0, 15, 30, 60 and 120 kg ha-1). The following phenometric variables were evaluated: emergence at the beginning of flowering (EIF), flowering duration (DFL), maturation duration (DFL) and cycle; as well as agronomic variables: number of silicas per plant (NSP), number of grains per silicas (NGS), plant height (ESP), mass of a thousand grains (MMG), productivity (PRO) and oil content. There was no interaction between application times and potassium doses for MMG, PRO and oil content. The dose of 60 kg ha-1 increased the DFL and the cycle. The maximum number of 309 silicas per plant was obtained with the dose of 120 kg ha-1 of K2O. The increase of potassium concentrations reduced calcium concentration in plant tissue. In general, potassium fertilization during flowering increases the expression of variables related to canola phenology and agronomic performance.