Micro-granulated starter fertilizer effects on growth and productivity of winter oilseed rape

The effectiveness of starter or band application of fertilizers may improve the response to in-season fertilizer application. This technique reduces fertilizer costs and minimizes environmental risks through decreased nutrient stratification, reduced nutrient emissions to surface water, ground water, and the atmosphere. This paper presents the results of a 3-yr study investigating the effects of a micro-granulated starter fertilizer (MSF) applied in the seed zone on the autumn growth, overwintering success, and biomass yield of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). The study was performed at the Agricultural Experiment Station in Bałcyny (north-eastern Poland) from 2012 to 2015. The MSF did not compromise seedling emergence, it increased the dry matter (DM) content of rosette leaves by 15 to 24% (without influencing taproot length or weight) in autumn, and contributed to a 6% increase in the overwintering success of oilseed rape. The MSF increased seed yield (by 0.26–0.44 Mg ha), lowered the harvest index (from 0.401 to 0.380) and decreased root biomass yield (by 0.51–0.69 Mg ha). The use of the MSF reduced or even eliminated the need for conventional pre-sowing NPK fertilizer without exerting adverse effects on the overwintering success or the yield of winter oilseed rape. The application of the MSF during sowing reduces fertilization costs and minimizes environmental hazards.