Grown primarily in the Western Cape, the canola plant is known to be highly versatile. The plant has a high oil content and can be used for cooking oil, livestock feed, fertiliser, hydraulic fluid, and even printing ink. We find out from an expert why the canola industry has been growing so rapidly.
Johan Pyper, junior agronomist at Southern Oil (SOILL), gives us some insight into canola farming.
Pyper says that the canola plant is a winter crop that it is primarily grown in the Southern Cape, Overberg, and Swartland region.
“The crop belongs to the cabbage and mustard family, and brassica napus is the species of canola which we cultivate in South Africa for the production of cooking oils and other oil-based products.”
According to this production guide by the department of agriculture, land reform, and rural development (DALRRD), farmers should start preparing their soil for planting in March. The planting season for the canola plant starts in April.
Pyper explains that the seeds are planted once there is enough moisture in the soil that allows for favourable germination.
“The plant takes approximately three and a half to four months to complete its life cycle, and numerous agricultural practices regarding fertilisation and weed-based and disease control ensues within this time to ensure optimum development of the crop. Once harvested, the oil is pressed from the tiny brown seeds which can be found in the pods on the canola plant.”
Soil requirements for canola plants
As per the DALRRD guide, canola can be grown in a variety of soil types but is best suited to clay-loam soils. The soil should not crust and should not be sandy, nor susceptible to wind erosion. Good surface drainage is essential when canola is being grown on soil with poor internal drainage. This is because the plant cannot grow in waterlogged soils.
Canola plants actually contribute to the health of the soil as the root system loosens dense soil and improves soil structure for subsequent crops, says Pyper.
“The ploughing action of the root also leads to efficient aeration of the soil, reduces soil erosion, and improved water infiltration. Planting of canola disrupts the life cycle of numerous pathogens that cause root and fungal diseases in wheat and other cereal crops.”
Pyper says the plant was found to have a bio-fumigation effect on the soil, meaning it deters disease-causing pathogens.
“It is, therefore, no surprise that producers experience up to 20 to 25% improved grain yields the year after canola was planted.”
Temperature and rainfall
For canola plants to flourish, they must be grown in cool conditions of around 21°C, with the ideal soil temperature ranging from 15 to 20°C. The canola plant can be grown in lower temperatures, however, this slows down the germination process. The plant is fairly frost resistant but is in danger of being damaged when the temperature dips below 3°C. Hot temperatures over 30°C limit pollination and may impair yield and quality.
Between April and October, the canola plant needs at least 300mm of rainfall in order to have a yield of 2 tonne per hectare. Good rainfall is particularly important for the development of the pod and seed, with yields dropping below 1 tonne per hectare when there is less than 200mm of rainfall.
To ensure that your canola plants get enough water, a solid irrigation plan is important. The oil content of the plant is heavily influenced by the plant’s water intake, with the most critical time for irrigation being during flowering and early pod development.
Planting tips
Canola seeds should be planted at a depth of 3cm unless there is not enough moisture in the soil. The planting depth is important, as it influences how quickly the plant emerges. With canola, the quicker the plant emerges, the better. This allows the farmer to manage weeds more effectively. Planting the seed too deep can lower the potential of the yield, and also drastically impact disease control.
Pyper explains that the canola industry is growing at an unprecedented rate in South Africa. He says there are different ways of managing the crop and that farmers should be flexible when it comes to producing the plant.
“Stop yourself from getting set in your ways and keep being innovative. Empower yourself with knowledge and work through as much reading material as you can regarding the biology, cultivation strategies, and the latest innovation of the crop.”
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