Growth, biomass, yield, and components of canola (Brassica napus L.) in resonse to nitrogen source

Canola is an oilseed crop of great worldwide importance. Nitrogen is one of the elements that increases crop production; therefore, it is important for producers to know the nutritional requirements of this crop and what type of source to use. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of the nitrogen source on the growth, biomass, and canola yield. The canola cultivar "Canorte" was sown during rainfall season. Four treatments were used (control, nitrogen fertilizer in the form of urea, phosphonitrate and ammonium sulfate). To evaluate growth and crop yield, plant height, leaf area, total biomass, harvest index, yield, and its components were recorded. The crop did not present differences in plant height, total biomass, harvest index and grain yield between the nitrogen sources used, in comparison to the control. Ammonium sulfate generated a greater leaf area and number of bunches compared to the other fertilizers, while the siliques number also increased due the effect of phosphonitrate. Nitrogen sources promoted a positive effect on plant growth and grain yield. The components that presented the greatest relationship with yield was the total biomass.