Source: WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to
CAMELINA CROPPING SYSTEMS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0219676
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
WNP00743
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2009
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2014
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Guy, S.
Recipient Organization
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
240 FRENCH ADMINISTRATION BLDG
PULLMAN,WA 99164-0001
Performing Department
Crop & Soil Sciences
Non Technical Summary
Rotation crops in dryland cereal based (primarily wheat) crop production systems in Washington are needed to increase cropping system diversity, cycle nutrients, control grassy weeds, and take advantage of the rotation effect that increases cereal yields. The most common broadleaf rotation crops in these cereal based cropping systems are grain legumes: dry pea, lentil, and chickpea. Acreage of grain legumes is decreasing and alternatives are needed. In addition, many of the lower rainfall areas (16 inches of annual precipitation or less) of Washington are not suited to grow grain legumes, and do not have acceptable broadleaf crop rotation options. If an acceptable broadleaf rotation crop was available in the lower rainfall areas, it could be incorporated into the cropping system with minimal impact on wheat production. Furthermore, if that broadleaf rotation crop is a biofuel crop, the conundrum of food versus fuel associated with biofuel production from crop plants could be minimized. Camelina is an oilseed crop of interest that meets much of these criteria and has been recently grown on substantial acreage in Montana, and is starting to be produced in Washington and other Pacific Northwest states on a very limited basis. Information about cultural practices and adaptation of camelina in Washington is needed by growers to make decision about utilization of this crop in rotation with wheat. With a good technical knowledge base supporting adoption of camelina, the overall productivity and production of this useful oilseed will support a Washington biofuel industry and crop agricultural in general. This project will produce field based production information about adaptation and cultural practices for camelina. Needed information includes: cultivar performance, fertilization requirements, planting practices, adaptation to different growing environments, and integration of camelina into a wheat cropping system. Project studies will address these information needs, and together with information from other similar areas, should provide the technology to rationally utilize camelina in Washington wheat based crop production systems. Complementary efforts from the private and public sectors to contract camelina acreage providing growers have a place to sell camelina, registration of herbicides, approval of camelina meal for animal feed purposes, and a grower support network should facilitate adoption of camelina as a biofuel rotation crop for wheat based production systems in Washington.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
20518991070100%
Knowledge Area
205 - Plant Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
1899 - Oilseed and oil crops, general/other;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology;
Goals / Objectives
Camelina is a summer annual oilseed crop. Camelina has many uses, including potential as a single use cooking oil, salad oil, biodiesel, health food supplement, and bio-lubricant. Camelina is high in omega-3 oil, important in human health and nutrition. This project will evaluate crop response to varieties, seeding rates, nitrogen rates, planting dates, and following wheat crop response to camelina. Experiments proposed in this project will be done over multiple growing seasons. The goal of this proposal is to develop agronomic practices and foster adoption of camelina as an alternative crop in Pacific Northwest crop production systems. Camelina will be investigated by: 1. camelina planting practices for successful stand establishment, 2. cultivar testing and screening, 3. nitrogen and sulfur fertility, 4. following wheat crop response to camelina, Obj. 1 Camelina Planting Camelina is much more cold tolerant than canola and has shown very promising results in preliminary testing in the region (Ehrensing and Guy, 2008). Camelina could be planted in either late fall or early spring because of the cold tolerance. Six planting timings will be investigated from dates normally used for winter wheat, through the winter and early spring, and ending with spring crop planting dates. Successful planting is a key to developing optimum methods to grow this crop. Broadcast seeding of camelina will be evaluated. Obj. 2 Cultivar Evaluation Available germplasm must be evaluated to identify the most adapted germplasm for various cropping systems. Emergence under cold conditions, vigorous seedling emergence, and early plant maturity are traits that are important in these production systems. As many as 15 to 30 genotypes could be tested. Obj. 3 Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertility Previous work suggests that nitrogen requirement for camelina is lower than canola or wheat. Nitrogen is a major off-farm input. Camelina will be grown in replicated trials nitrogen rates with and without sulfur to assess the contribution to oil content and yield. Objective 4. Following Wheat Response The previous crop to winter wheat can have significant influence on the performance and response to N fertilization. Usual crops grown previous to winter wheat include: spring wheat, barley, dry pea, lentil, mustard, and canola. These crops and camelina will be grown in year one prior to the second year winter wheat. The winter wheat will be managed with variable nitrogen fertilizer rates to assess N fertilizer response. Education, Outreach, and Scientific Contribution Outputs Integrating production of camelina into existing production, marketing, and infrastructural systems is important to building an oil seed industry. Information and results from these investigations about camelina production practices, genotype traits, fertility management, response in rotation with wheat, and end use characteristics will be provided to grower groups, regional cooperatives, and industry representatives. Preliminary economic analysis of camelina production has been conducted and results from these studies with help refine the cost of production analysis.
Project Methods
Experiments will be conducted in dryland cereal-based cropping systems areas. Yield will be determined by harvesting seed and adjusted to 8 percent moisture. Plant height, lodging, and seed size will also de determined. Oil content will be assessed on appropriate treatments in the experiments, while oil fatty-acid profiles will be determined for specific entries in the cultivar evaluation trials. Experiments will be conducted in conventional prepared seedbeds. Standard practices in the experiments will use the cultivar Columbia and the seeding rate is 5 lbs per acre. Outreach activities will be performed, utilization of written materials and adoption of technology by growers based on new and ongoing acreage of camelina will be assessed. Obj. 1. Camelina Planting Practices for Successful Stand Establishment A split plot design with four replications with planting date as a main plot and seeding method as subplots will will have plot area of 4 to 6 feet wide and usually 20 feet long. Six planting dates will be 1.) fall 2.) late fall or early winter, 3.) late winter, 4.) early spring, 5.) usual spring seeding, and 6). later spring. Seed will be drilled with a double disc drill followed by packer wheels or broadcast surface seeded and packed. Obj. 2. Camelina Cultivar Evaluations Cultivar evaluation trials will be both fall and spring seeded to evaluated adaptation and productivity under both seeding conditions. The fall trial will include 10-20 cultivars, and the spring trial seeded at the same location will include 15-30 cultivars. Named varieties and lines in development will be included and all lines seeded in the fall will be seeded in the spring. Fall plots will be sown to roughly correspond to treatments seeding dates 1 and 5 in objective 1. A randomized complete block experiment with four replications will have plot dimensions 4 to 5 feet wide and 20 feet long. Obj. 3. Nitrogen (N) and Sulfur Fertility Management of Camelina N fertilizer input levels (6) will be evaluated to identify the optimum N rate needed to grow camelina and sulfur will be added at one rate. A randomized complete block, split-plot experiment using one cultivar, six N fertilizer rates broadcast applied after seeding as subplots and two sulfur rates at main plots will be seeded at the optimum spring planting date. Nitrogen rates in the high rainfall zone will be 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 lb/acre. Sulfur rates will be 0 and 20 lb/acre. Fertilizer treatments will be broadcast applied immediately after planting. Obj. 4. Following Wheat Crop Response to Camelina Two crop-year studies will be conducted to assess the influence of previous spring crops on winter wheat performance and response to N fertilizer. The year-one spring crops include camelina, canola, yellow mustard, oriental mustard, spring wheat, spring barley, dry pea, and lentil. Residual soil N levels will be assessed after harvest and before planting the year-two winter wheat crop. The winter wheat sub-plots will be fertilized at 0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 lb/acre of fertilizer N.

Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Farmer/producers agriculture businesses and employees other researchers Extension and other educators Consumers Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? A rotation study, including camelina, was included on the WashingtonState University Spillman Farm tour and presented to 200 individuals. A total audience of over 300 was addressed inpresentations.We are currently workingto publish the 20 camelina variety trial results in a G x E study analysis, and othermanuscripts are in progress. PARTICIPANTS: At presentations in 2011 there were 200+ farmers, industry, and interested persons that viewed and learned about oilseed and other crop rotation to wheat. At the ASA-CSSA-SSSA international meeting a camelina variety paper was presented to an international audience. Outreach about Camelina included talks to growers, a series of journal articles: one published, one accepted with revision, and one in preparation, and a WSU Extension factsheet published. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? These trials provide a direct comparison of spring crop performance that can be used by growers to determine the value of biofuel crops and expected yields relative to other crops they have grown. When reliable results show wheat performance after spring crops, growers can also assign rotational benefits to biofuel crops due to increased productivity of winter wheat and N fertilizer input costs. This information boosts a growers' decision-making ability to grow biofuel or any spring crop prior to winter wheat. Adoption of biofuel crops must be made rationally or failure to meet expectations is assured, which has occurred historically with canola. Camelina field trials were summarized and made ready for publication including: variety evaluations, N feriltizer response, and oilseed crop sequence effects on winter wheat performance. Trials were successfully completed and further contributed to agronomic information about variety performance and rotational influence on winter wheat. These studies are part of a Washington state Biofuels initiative and regional camelina evaluation program. Learning was not assessed at any of the presentations, but there was always interest in information about camelina. Several times, private agricultural workers asked for information about camelina and it was supplied for indirect dissemination. Ultimately, growers starting to grow camelina and continuing to grow it over the years is the measure of success. However, since this is such a new crop, there is only a very limited amount of acreage. At least one grower, who has previously been supported by our agronomic studies, is producing camelina for a fourth year. He grew about 100 acres of the approximately 1000 acres of camelina grown in Washington in 2011 and grossed about $250 per acre for a $25,000 value. The overall crop value approached $250,000 for 2010 and more acres are planned for the future. Additional acres and the value of camelina in the future could partially be attributed to the research and extension efforts of this program and demonstrated rotation benefit to wheat. Studies show that wheat grown after a broadleaf rotation yields 15% more than wheat following other cereal crops. The 1000 acres of camelina could also be contributing approximately an extra $25 per acre on a follow wheat crop or $25,000 in additional revenue.

Publications


    Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

    Outputs
    Target Audience: Growers, Vegetable oil industry, seed dealers, biodiesel producers, crushers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Canola meeting in the winter. Will attend and participate in the 2014 Canola Conference in January. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Outreach about Camelina included talks to growers, a series of journal articles: one published, one accepted with revision, and one in preparation, and a WSU Extension factsheet published. Further studies on rotation effects of oilseeds and planning for more Camelina trials is underway What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Participate in the 2014 Canola and Biofuels conference. Interact with growers, industry personnel, Crushers and converters, innovators for on-farm use of oilseed, interact with direct marketers of Camelina.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Camelina field trials in 2013 were summarized and made ready for publication including: variety evaluations, N feriltizer response, and oilseed crop sequence effects on winter wheat performance. Trials were successfully completed and further contributed to agronomic information about variety performance and rotational influence on winter wheat. These studies are part of a Washington state Biofuels initiative and regional camelina evaluation program.

    Publications

    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Wysocki, D.J., T.G. Chastain, W.F. Schillinger, S.O. Guy, R.S. Karow, 2013. Camelina: Seed yield response to applied nitrogen and sulfur. Field Crops Res. 145:60-66.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2014 Citation: Guy, S.O., D.J. Wysocki, W.F. Schillinger, T.G. Chastain, R.S. Karow, K. Garland-Campbell, I.C. Burke. 2014. Camelina: Adaptation and performance of genotypes. Field Crops Res. 155:224-232.


    Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: Spring crop yields for 2008-2012 are summarized. The three highest yielding crops averaged across years in descending order are spring barley, spring wheat, and camelina. The mustard and canola yields tend to vary more year to year than camelina and barley. This variation is described by the average % variation from the crop average values. These results fit other experimental observations and grower experiences that report high variability for canola, mustard, and grain legume crops. High variability, year to year, is an impediment to successfully growing crops. Another interesting crop comparison is a ratio of barley to camelina yield that averaged 2.3 times more barley grain yield than camelina. Barley and camelina are both cool adapted, early planted spring crops that have similar growing seasons and historic barley performance might be a good indicator of camelina yield potential. Crop yields were good in 2008, pea and lentil were disadvantaged in 2009 due to seeding difficulties, and the 2010 site was variable with shallow soil, while the 2011 site was good for all crops, but camelina was injured by herbicide and Downey Mildew. Both 2011 and 2012 studies were planted later than optimum for early crops which resulted in a negative impact on camelina productivity as documented in previous studies (Schillinger et al., 2012). Overall yields should average close to 1400 lbs/acre for lentil and 2000 lbs/acre for pea, otherwise average yields across these years are similar to expected yields for these locations. Wheat yield, test weight, and plant height were significantly different among the previous crops, highest yielding after yellow mustard, lentil, pea and camelina, and lowest after spring barley and spring wheat. The winter wheat performance was reduced following spring wheat and barley by volunteers that were removed during the crop year with high disturbance of the winter wheat crop. The results following spring wheat and barley should not be used as representative of actual yield potential. Wheat yield increased as N fertilizer rate increased from 32 to 160 lbs N/acre and the highest wheat yields occurred for all spring crops at 160 lbs N/acre. Grain protein was not significantly different for winter wheat among previous spring crops, but was across N rates. There was no significant interaction of previous crop and N rate for any parameter. The previous 2011 report details results from similar trials conducted in 2010 and 2011 that show winter wheat yielded highest following spring legumes, followed by brassicas, then small grains. Presentation - Guy, S.O. 2012. Rotational influence of Brassica and other crops on winter wheat. PNW Oilseed Conference, Colfax, WA. 115 attending. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Growers, Processors, Ag industry, Extension, University and USDA-ARS scientists. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

    Impacts
    These trials provide a direct comparison of spring crop performance that can be used by growers to determine the value of biofuel crops and expected yields relative to other crops they have grown. When reliable results show wheat performance after spring crops, growers can also assign rotational benefits to biofuel crops due to increased productivity of winter wheat and N fertilizer input costs. This information boosts growers' decision making ability to grow biofuel or any spring crop prior to winter wheat. Adoption of biofuel crops must be made rationally or failure to meet expectations is assured, which has occurred historically with canola.

    Publications

    • Schillinger W.F., D.J.Wysocki, T.Chastain, S.O.Guy, R.S.Karow 2012. Camelina: Planting date and method effects on stand establishment and seed yield. Field Crops Research 130:138-144.
    • Hulbert, S., S. Guy, W. Pan, T. Paulitz, W. Schillinger, K. Sowers. 2012. Camelina Production in the Dryland Pacific Northwest, WSU Extension publication - WSU FS073E.


    Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: In 2011 I conducted a western-states camelina variety trial managed by Jerry Johnson at Colorado State University and two spring crop rotation studies to determine the effects of previous spring crops on winter wheat performance and N fertilizer response. I planted the camelina variety trial with 96 plots. Results were summarized and used in quarterly Sun Grant reports, presentations, poster presentations, and publications locally, regionally, and internationally at the ASA-SCCA-SSSA international meeting in San Antonio, TX. A rotation study including camelina was included on the Washington State University Spillman Farm tour and presented to 200 individuals. A total audience of over 300 was addressed in presentations. I'm heading an effort to publish the 20 camelina variety trial results in a G x E study analysis, and other manuscripts are in progress. PARTICIPANTS: At presentations in 2011 were 200+ farmers, industry, and interested persons that viewed and learned about oilseed and other crop rotation to wheat. At the ASA-CSSA-SSSA international meeting a camelina variety paper was presented to an international audience. An additional 25 personal interactions also occurred. TARGET AUDIENCES: Farmers, oilseed industry, seed industry, researchers, Extension workers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

    Impacts
    Learning was not assessed at any of the presentations, but there was always interest in information about camelina. Several times private agricultural workers asked for information about camelina and it was supplied for indirect dissemination. Ultimately, growers starting to grow camelina and continuing over the years is the measure of success. However, since this is such a new crop, there is only a very limited amount of acreage. At least one grower, who has previously been supported by our agronomic studies, is producing camelina for a fourth year. He grew about 100 acres of the approximately 1000 acres of camelina grown in Washington in 2011 and grossed about $250 per acre for a $25,000 value. The overall crop value approached $250,000 for 2010 and more acres are planned for the future. Additional acres and value of camelina in the future could partially be attributed to the research and extension efforts of this program and demonstrated rotation benefit to wheat. Studies show that wheat grown after a broadleaf rotation yields 15% more than wheat following other cereal crops. The 1000 acres of camelina could also be contributing approximately an extra $25 per acre on a follow wheat crop or $25,000 additional.

    Publications

    • No publications reported this period


    Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: In 2010 camelina studies by four PI's (including myself) were conducted to evaluate 10-20 cultivars planted by late fall seeding and under early spring seeding (usual date), seeding at 6 dates using drilled and broadcast seeding methods, and to investigate nitrogen and sulfur response by camelina. In addition, I conducted a western states camelina variety trial managed by Jerry Johnson at Colorado State Univ., and two spring crop rotation studies to determine the effects of spring crops on winter wheat performance and N fertilizer response. I planted 6 camelina trials with 504 total plots. Results were summarized and used in quarterly Sun Grant reports, presentations, poster presentations, and publications both locally and regionally. A total audience of over 300 was addressed in presentations. I am heading an effort to publish the 20 variety trial results in a genotype by environment study analysis. PARTICIPANTS: Mary Lauver, Bill Schillinger, Don Wysocki (OSU), Pat Fuerst, Russ Karow (OSU), Tom Chastain (OSU) TARGET AUDIENCES: Growers, processors and crushers that might be interested in oilseed production in Washington and the region PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

    Impacts
    Learning was not assessed at any of the presentations, but there was always interest in information about camelina. Several times private agricultural workers asked for information about camelina and it was supplied for indirect dissemination. Ultimately, growers starting to grow camelina and continuing over the years is the measure of success. However, since this is such a new crop, there is only a very limited amount of acreage, although I know of a grower who is growing camelina for a fourth year and has always been supported by our agronomic studies. He grew about 100 acres of the approximately 2000 acres of camelina grown in Washington in 2010 and grossed about $250 per acre giving a $25,000 value to the crop. The overall crop value approached $500,000 for 2009 and more acres are planned or will be planted in the future. Additional acres and value of camelina in the future should partially be attributed to the research and extension efforts. A rotation benefit to wheat could also be realized. Studies show that wheat grown after a broadleaf rotation is superior by 15% compared to wheat grown following other cereal crops. Thus the 2000 acres of camelina could also be contributing to an extra $25 per acre on a wheat crop from following other cereal crops, or an additional $50,000.

    Publications

    • No publications reported this period


    Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: In 2009 camelina studies by the four PI's (including myself) were conducted to evaluate 10-20 cultivars planted by late fall seeding and under early spring seeding (usual date), seeding at 6 dates using drilled and broadcast seeding methods, and investigate nitrogen and sulfur response by camelina. In addition, Dr. Guy conducted a western-states camelina variety trial managed by Jerry Johnson at Colorado State Univ. and two spring crop rotation studies for effects of spring crops of winter wheat performance and N fertilizer response. We planted 9 camelina trials with 568 total plots. Results were summarized and used in quarterly Sun Grant reports, presentations, and publications. A total audience of over 300 was addressed in presentations. PARTICIPANTS: Stephen Guy, Mary Lauver, John Kuehner, Bill Schillinger, and Don Wysocki TARGET AUDIENCES: Farmers, oilseed dealers, agricultural industry PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

    Impacts
    Learning was not assessed at any of the presentations, but there was always interest in information about camelina. Several times private agricultural workers asked for information about camelina and it was supplied for indirect dissemination. Ultimately, growers starting to grow camelina and continuing over years is the measure of success. However, since this is such a new crop, there is only a very limited amount of acreage, although the PI knows of a grower who is growing camelina for a third year. He has always been supported by our agronomic studies. He grew about 100 acres of the approximately 3000 acres of camelina grown in Washington in 2009 and grossed about $250 per acre giving a $25,000 value to the crop for him. The overall crop value approached $500,000 for 2009, and more acres are planned or planted for 2010. Additional acres and value of camelina in the future should partially be attributed to the research, and extension efforts and rotation benefit to wheat could also be speculated. Studies show that wheat grown after a broadleaf rotation is superior by 15% compared to following other cereal crops. Thus, the 3000 acres of camelina could also be contributing to an extra $25 per acre on a following wheat crop, or $75,000 additional.

    Publications

    • No publications reported this period