Fertilizer N management and P placement effects on yield, seed protein content and N uptake of flax under varied conditions in Saskatchewan

In the Canadian prairies, producers prefer to seed and apply all fertilizer nutrients in one operation, but placement of fertilizers at high rates in the seed row can reduce crop emergence. Recently, specialized equipment has been developed to minimize or prevent damage to seedlings by maintaining a safe separation between seed and fertilizer. A 3-yr (2000 to 2002) field study was conducted to determine the effect of N formulation (urea and anhydrous ammonia), placement (broadcast, side-band and mid-row band), timing (fall and spring) and rate (0 to 90 or 120 kg N ha-1), and P placement (7–10 kg P ha-1) on plant density, seed and straw yield, seed protein content, and N uptake in seed and straw of flax (Linum ustatissimum L.) under no-till at four sites (Indian Head, Black Chernozem soil – Udic Boroll; Melfort, Dark Gray Luvisol soil – Mollic Cryoboralf; Swift Current, Brown Chernozem soil – Aridic Boroll; and Scott, Dark Brown Chernozem soil – Typic Boroll) in Saskatchewan. There was a significant increa...