Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) can grow well on almost any soil, although the highest yields are obtained on (sea) clay soils and freshly ploughed grassland. As rapeseed is a very nitrogen dependent crop, crops such as grassland and peas are excellent pre-fertilizers. Beets, spinach and other brassica crops are not recommended in one rotation, as they are host plants for the beet cyst nematode.
Recent trial results in oilseed rape with Optima Vigor+ from 2021 and 2022 showed increased yields of 4 to 9%.
Select a stage for more information
Growth preparation
Brassica species, including oilseed rape, are sensitive to boron deficiency. Boron affects sugar transport and flowering. A shortage will therefore have a negative influence on the yield. Especially for soils with a slightly higher pH (pH > 6.2) and/or a low organic matter content, it is advisable to apply additional boron during the cultivation preparation, for example in a complex form with humic acid. Humic acid promotes both root development and soil properties and thus prevents leaching of boron and other trace elements. The complexed boron is easily absorbed.
Advice:
Soil application - Optima Soil Humi-B*: 30 litres/hectare
* This product requires national registration and is at this moment only available in The Netherlands.
4-leaf stage (BBCH 14)
Depending on the soil temperature, the first seedlings will emerge 1-2 weeks after sowing. In the period up to winter, it is important to create as much growth as possible, without the crop already showing elongation.
Due to the rapid growth, the crop has a high need for nutrients such as calcium, nitrogen and trace elements. Good foliage development is decisive for a good yield. Sufficient leaf mass, and an efficient photosynthesis are crucial for the plant. To optimise these processes, we have developed Optima Vigor+. Optima Vigor+ contains the required nutrients and complexed trace elements that are essential for a vital crop.
It is therefore a good idea to spray Optima Vigor+ together with the last herbicide treatment, which usually takes place during the 4-6 leaf stage.
Advice:
2-4 l/ha Optima Vigor+ during the 5-8 leaf stage (BBCH 15-18)
Relevant products
Stem allongation (BBCH 32)
When temperatures rise in early spring, the crop will prepare for length growth and then flowering. But often in spring, soil temperatures are still too low to fully meet the nutrient requirements of the crop. Therefore, as soon as the crop starts elongation, apply Optima Vigor+ again. The nutrients and trace elements in Optima Vigor+ contribute to a healthy leaf development and a vital crop.
Recommendation :
3-4 l/ha Optima Vigor+ at the start of elongation (BBCH 32).
Relevant products
Flowering
After flowering, the crop starts producing seeds. The final oil content is largely determined by the temperature during ripening. In general, higher temperatures lead to a lower oil content.
The element potassium is also called the 'quality element'. Potassium plays an important role in the moisture balance of a plant, but it is also essential for efficient sugar transport. Optima Leaf-K contains a high level of directly absorbable potassium. Because the potassium in Optima Leaf-K is organically complexed, it has a neutral pH, making it excellent for use in a tank mix.
Recommendation:
3x 3 l/ha Optima Leaf-K from flowering onwards, at an interval of 10-14 days.
Relevant products
Maturing
After flowering, the crop starts producing seeds. The final oil content is largely determined by the temperature during ripening. In general, higher temperatures lead to a lower oil content.
The element potassium is also called the 'quality element'. Potassium plays an important role in the moisture balance of a plant, but it is also essential for efficient sugar transport. Optima Leaf-K contains a high level of directly absorbable potassium. Because the potassium in Optima Leaf-K is organically complexed, it has a neutral pH, making it excellent for use in a tank mix.
Recommendation:
3x 3 l/ha Optima Leaf-K from flowering onwards, at an interval of 10-14 days.
