NITROGEN, PHOSPHORUS, AND ZINC SUPPLY ON SEED AND METAL ACCUMULATION IN CANOLA GRAIN

Nutrient supply is important for yield and quality of canola (Brassica napus L.) crop production. A controlled study was conducted to determine the effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn) supply and their interactions on yield and accumulation of four microelements in canola grain. Results showed that seed yield increased 1.45 to 5times by increasing N and up to 24.4% by increasing P supply, with significant N-by-P interactions. Nitrogen-by-Zn interaction also exhibited large effects on grain metal concentrations, with increased iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) as increasing N supply, and decreased Mn concentration at all N supply levels above 0N. Zinc concentration was decreased at low N and increased at high N levels compared to 0N. Increasing P supply reduced grain Fe and Zn accumulations, but had no effect on Mn and Cu. Overall, this study revealed that canola yield and micronutrient accumulations can be improved by appropriate nutrient supply.