Effect of different cultivation systems and irrigation on the emergence and establishment of oilsced rape

Field experiments were conducted in 1992 at two different sites (Drayton and Kneesall) of the U.K. to study oilseed rape emergence and establishment under different cultivation systems (plough, disc, straw chopped direct drilled, straw baled direct drilled and broadcast). Irrigation was provided to sub plots in order to examine cultivation effects when water is not limiting. Seeds were sown by drill machines. As the machines would not apply equal seed rates in all the treatments, rows of 200 seeds were also hand sown in sub plots both in non-irrigated and irrigated condition. In general, discing resulted in the best emergence and establishment. The plough and broadcast showed slightly better but not always significantly so higher emergence than direct drilled treatments. Irrigation improved emergence slightly. Hand sowing also improved emergence which was more pronounced in the direct drilled treatments. Significantly more seedling establishment was seen at Drayton than that at Kneesall.