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Seeding Guidelines

Here we go over all the considerations to prepare the field to seed a successful crop of camelina.

Field Selection

When planting camelina it is important to consider the crops and herbicide residue that have been used previously on the field. Likewise it is wise to consider the beneficial effects of the crop on the field for the proceeding crop.

  • Previous Crops: It is important to consider the potential weeds in the field from the previous crop of particular concern are grass species.
  • Herbicide Awareness: Pay attention to herbicide residues, especially ALS and PDS herbicides from previous crops, which can affect camelina growth in dry conditions. Some herbicides can persist in the soil, so consult local experts to verify if the land is safe for camelina.
  • Weed Control: Choose parcels with minimal weed pressure, especially grasses. Ensure effective weed management before sowing, as camelina competes poorly with weeds in its early stages.
  • Proceeding crop: The biofumigant effect of camelina can be used to increase yield in crops such as corn, sorghum, or other crops where control of soil fungus and bacteria can be helpful.
  • Waterlogged soils: Avoid fields where waterlogging is an issue as camelina does not like to be waterlogged for long periods of time.

Seedbed and Soil Preperation

Ideal seedbed preperation will ensure better seed to soil contact for this shallowly seeded crop. However seeding into a diversity of soils has proven successfull due to the plasticity of camelina. Direct sowing is preferred where the conservation of moisture is important.

Soil Moisture

  • Direct Sowing: Strongly recommended to preserve soil moisture, especially in dry conditions.
  • Shallow Cultivation: If required, limit to a maximum of 2-3 cm depth to prevent unnecessary moisture loss and maintain a favorable seedbed.
  • Moisture Conservation: Camelina performs best when soil moisture is conserved. Avoid deep tillage that could deplete moisture reserves.

Stubble Management

Proper stubble management is crucial for camelina to ensure good seed-to-soil contact and to prevent nitrogen deficiency.

  • Preceding: It’s crucial to remove straw from previous crops to avoid nitrogen competition and to ensure proper seed-to-soil contact.
  • Stubble Height: For direct sowing, harvest the previous crop as high as possible, leaving the stubble standing.
  • Straw Management: Evenly distribute light straw or chaff that may obstruct sowing. In the case of disk drilling, avoid it completely and opt for stubble plowing or shallow tillage.

Direct Seeding rates

  • Seeding Rate: 6-8 kg/ha (5-7lbs/a) is the recommended seeding rate, with row spacing between 12.5-15 cm (5-6 in). Increased seeding rates has not lead to increased yield.
  • Depth: For direct sowing 0.5-1.5 cm is recommended. However, deeper seeding up to 3 cm will also work, but will delay germination. Adjust depth based on soil moisture conditions and upcoming weather.
  • Seed Drills: Camelina can be seeded using standard cereal grain drills but carefull attention will be needed due to its small seed size. If drills for smaller seeds are available such as is typically found on no till drills they are ideal.

Broadcast and Ariel Seeding rates

Camelina can be broadcast and it has been done successfully. The lightweight seed means factors like height of the broadcaster and wind conditions must be considered for good coverage.

  • Drone Seeding: and there are examples of aireal seeding by drone, though no recommended rates exist for drone seeding. Light incorporation is recommended.
  • Seeding Rate: Typical rates for broadcasting are around 12-15 kg/ha, though more research on this is needed, however some have shown equal or better results, so it is worth considering due to broadcast usually being lower cost. [Schillenger 2012] (https//:doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2012.02.019).

Seeding Timing

Seeding timing is the most context dependent choices to be made based on weather, soil, temperature, preceding crops etc. In general, it is recommended to seed when fall or spring cereals are seeded.

  • Winter Camelina: Seeding in the fall in colder regions needs to be done from the end of September to the middle of October for best results. There have been successes later than that in some regions. There needs to be enough time for the establishment of the cotyledons, and better for the beginning of the rosette.

  • Spring Camelina: Seeding in the spring should happen at the first chance that winter annual weeds can be terminated and the soil can be worked for seeding. The cold hardy nature of Camelina allows for very early seeding. Spring Camelina can be seeded in the fall in warmer Mediterranean climates, typically by mid to late November at the latest climate dependent.