The effect of nitrogen fertilization on root characteristics of Camelina sativa L. in greenhouse pots

I. Kakabouki¹*, A. Folina¹, S. Karydogianni¹, Ch. Zisi¹ and A. Efthimiadou²

¹Agricultural University of Athens, Department of Crop Science, Laboratory of Agronomy, 75 Iera Odos Str., GR11855 Athens, Greece
²Institute of Soil and Water Resources, Department of Soil Science of Athens, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DEMETER, Sofokli Venizelou 1, GR14123 Lycovrissi, Attica, Greece
*Correspondence: i.kakabouki@gmail.com

Abstract:

Climate change has made mandatory the introduction of new crops in Greece, such as the cultivation of camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz]. Nitrogen (N) and the development of root system are two important factors affecting crop growth and yield. Camelina has been studied mainly for its composition and oil. In the present study, root development of camelina crop was thoroughly investigated; mainly in terms of Nitrogen fertilization. Therefore, a camelina greenhouse experiment was established in Western Greece, in the region of Agrinio, in March 2019 in completely randomized design with four treatments, (control 0 ppm N, 30 ppm N, 60, ppm N and 90 ppm N). The N rates had statistically significant affected root density and root surface from 40 to 120 days after treatment (DAT) with highest values at 100 DAT and 90 ppm N, 52.54 cm of root 100 cm^-3 and 27.59 cm² of root 100 cm^-3, respectively. The root volume was significantly affected by N fertilizer from 40 to 100 DAT and highest value was 13.18 cm³ of root 100 cm^-3 soil in the 90 ppm at 120 DAT. The plant leaf area was significantly affected by the highest rate of N. Yield per plant had not statistically significant difference with the 60 and with the 90 and highest weight per plant 292.25 g plant^-1 in 90 ppm. In conclusion, Ν fertilization significantly affected growth or camelina’s root system after 40 DAT. Plant growth was significantly affected by fertilization and the highest yield and 1,000 seed weight were recorded with the highest amount of N.

Key words:

camelina, N rates fertilizer, root system, thousand-seed weight, yield

Nutrient supply for organic oilseed crops, and quality of potential organic protein feed for ruminants and poultry

Henriksen, B.I.F.¹, A.R. Lundon², E. Prestløkken³,U. Abrahamsen² and R. Eltun²

¹Norwegian Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Research, Organic Food and FarmingDivision, Gunnars vei 6, N–6630 Tingvoll, Norway; britt.henriksen@bioforsk.no
²Norwegian Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Research, Arable Crops Division,Rute 509, N–2849 Kapp, Norway
³Felleskjøpet Fôrutvikling, N-7005 Trondheim, Norway

Abstract:

The aim of organic farming husbandry is to be entirely based on an organically produced diet. Pea is the most commonly cultivated protein rich crop in organic agriculture in Norway. However other high protein crops with complementary properties are needed to meet the nutritional demands in feeds for ruminants, pigs and poultry. An ongoing study in Bioforsk aims to develop cultivation practices on nutrient supply for organic oilseed crops and to establish knowledge on the feed quality of organically grown oilseed crops used as protein feed. It appears that spring turnip rape (Brassica rapa L. var. oleifera) and Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) can both be successfully cultivated with different levels of supplied nitrogen and sulphur. The nutrient value of organic spring turnip rape seems to be equivalent to conventional protein crops. Camelina can be an alternative in organic production, due to fewer problems with harmful pests compared with the traditional oilseed crops rape and turnip rape. Oilseed cake of turnip rape has higher protein and mineral content than the seed, and can be an interesting addition in feed ration for both ruminants and poultry, especially in combination with field pea.

Key words: