How to grow rapeseed to achieve high yield?

Rapeseed is one of the four major oil crops in the world. Rapeseed oil extracted from rapeseed is a high-quality edible oil with a large market demand. In addition, rapeseed can also be used as feed, industrial raw materials and other fields. The market demand is stable and there are many farmers who grow rapeseed. So how can rapeseed be grown to achieve high yield? Let’s take a look with the editor below.

1. Variety selection

Choose rapeseed varieties that are suitable for local climatic conditions and soil types, such as early-maturing, disease-resistant, and high-yielding varieties. Common rapeseed varieties include mustard oil rapeseed, cabbage rapeseed, kale rapeseed, etc., such as Zhongshuang No. 11 and Huaza No. 9.

2. Soil preparation

Choose land with loose and fertile soil, convenient irrigation and drainage, flat terrain, and dry land or garden soil that has not been planted with rapeseed for more than 2 years as the seedbed land. Before sowing, the seedbed should be carefully prepared and well-rotted organic fertilizer should be applied as base fertilizer.

3. Planting seeds

The rapeseed sowing time is usually in early to mid-September, and can be adjusted appropriately according to different varieties and regional climate. Reasonable density of planting is the key to high yield of rapeseed. Generally, the south maintains more than 20,000 to 40,000 plants, while the northern region maintains 30,000 to 50,000 plants. It can be sown in rows, holes or broadcast. When sowing, ensure that the seeds are evenly distributed in the soil to avoid gaps or overcrowding. The appropriate sowing depth is 2-3 cm. Too deep or too shallow is not conducive to rapeseed germination.

4. Thinning and finalizing seedlings

After rapeseed seedlings emerge, thinning and transplanting should be carried out in time to prevent the seedlings from growing too tall due to excessive density. When the rapeseed seedlings have all emerged and have grown two leaves, the first thinning is carried out, and the spacing between seedlings should be kept at 35 cm. When the seedlings grow to 3 leaves, carry out the second thinning and complete the seedling determination. The distance between seedlings should be about 8-10 cm.

5. Water and fertilizer management

Rapeseed requires sufficient nutrients during its growth period, especially elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. It is recommended to apply fertilizer 2-3 times during the growth period of rapeseed, and control the type and amount of fertilizer. Rapeseed needs sufficient water supply during its growth period, and the soil should be kept moist but not too wet. In the dry season, water should be diverted for irrigation in a timely manner, and in the rainy season, drainage should be carried out in a timely manner to prevent waterlogging.

6. Pest and disease control

Rapeseed is easily attacked by pests and diseases such as aphids, cabbage loopers, and rust. Sclerotinia is a relatively serious disease for rapeseed, so be sure to take preventive and treatment measures in advance. Take scientific prevention and control measures, such as choosing disease- and pest-resistant varieties and spraying pesticides at the right time.

The above is an introduction to how to grow rapeseed for high yield. Generally, when more than 70% of the siliques in the rapeseed field are yellow and the seeds are black, it can be harvested. Farmers must master the above techniques to ensure high and stable yields of rapeseed.