Winter Rapeseed
Sunflower

WINTER RAPESEED

Winter rapeseed is an important industrial crop with high oil content and economic value. It is used for canola oil production and is also preferred for biodiesel production. It is cold-tolerant and overwinters in the rosette stage. It grows rapidly in spring and decorates fields with its yellow flowers. Thanks to its deep root system, it improves soil structure and plays an important role in crop rotation systems.

KEY FACTS

  • High oil content (40-45%)
  • Ideal for biodiesel production
  • Tolerant to winter cold
  • Soil-improving with deep root system

Planting and Cultivation

Winter rapeseed is sown between late August and early September. It overwinters in the rosette stage and grows rapidly in spring. It prefers well-drained, deep soils. Good soil preparation and sufficient moisture before sowing are critical. Seeding depth should be 2-3 cm.

Planting Time

Late August - Early September

Harvest Time

June - July

Yield Potential

300-400 kg/decare

Soil pH

6.0 - 7.5

Nutrient Requirements

Rapeseed is a crop with a high nitrogen demand (150-200 lt/ha N). It is highly sensitive to sulfur deficiency and cannot use nitrogen efficiently without adequate sulfur. Micro elements such as boron, molybdenum and manganese are also important.

Nitrogen (N)
15-20 lt/ha
Phosphorus (P₂O₅)
15-25 lt/ha
Potassium (K₂O)
10-14 lt/ha
Sulfur (S)
4-6 lt/ha
Boron (B)
0.3-0.5 lt/ha
Molybdenum (Mo)
0.5-0.1 lt/ha
Manganese (Mn)
2-4 lt/ha

Fertilization Strategy

The most critical point for rapeseed is ensuring the balance of sulfur and nitrogen:

1

Autumn - Before Sowing

Apply NPK+S as base fertilizer. Provide phosphorus, potassium and part of sulfur.

Recommended: KÖK-NPK 15-15-15 + KÖK-TAB (with S)
2

Autumn - 4-6 Leaf Stage

First nitrogen dose (20-30%) and sulfur application. Important for strong overwintering.

Recommended: Ammonium Sulfate or KÖK-UAN+
3

Early Spring - Before Stem Elongation

Main nitrogen dose (40-50%) is applied. Critical when the plant starts growing.

Recommended: KÖK-UAN+ + CAB
4

Stem Elongation - Budding

Final nitrogen dose (20-30%) and micro elements. Boron and molybdenum are very important.

Recommended: KÖK-AminO + MIX + Molybdenum
5

Before Flowering

Boron supplementation via foliar fertilizer. Critical for fruit set.

Recommended: Foliar fertilizer (with Boron) + KÖK HumiX PLUS CB

SUNFLOWER

Sunflower is an important oilseed crop with high oil content and wide adaptability. It is used both for oil production and as a snack (confectionary). It has high drought tolerance and can take up water and nutrients from deeper soil layers thanks to its deep root system. It prefers warm and sunny climates. It can be grown in different soil types, but performs best in well-drained soils.

KEY FACTS

  • High oil content (45-55%)
  • Drought tolerant
  • Wide adaptability
  • Used for both oil and snack

Planting and Cultivation

Sunflower is sown in March-April when soil temperature reaches 8-10°C. Sowing should be done after the risk of frost has passed. Good soil preparation and sufficient moisture are required. Seeding depth should be 4-6 cm. Row spacing should be 70 cm, and intra-row spacing should be 25-35 cm depending on the variety.

Planting Time

March - April

Harvest Time

August - September

Yield Potential

3-4.5 ton/ha

Soil pH

6.0 - 7.5

Nutrient Requirements

Sunflower has a moderate-to-high nitrogen requirement. Phosphorus demand is especially high in the early stage. Potassium increases resistance to drought stress. Boron deficiency negatively affects seed formation.

Nitrogen (N)
80-120 lt/ha
Phosphorus (P₂O₅)
60-90 lt/ha
Potassium (K₂O)
80-120 lt/ha
Sulfur (S)
20-30 lt/ha
Boron (B)
1-2 lt/ha
Zinc (Zn)
2-3 lt/ha

Fertilization Strategy

Split fertilization program for sunflower:

1

Before Sowing - Base Fertilizer

NPK compound fertilizer application. All phosphorus and potassium, and 30-40% of nitrogen are applied.

Recommended: KÖK-NPK 15-15-15
2

4-6 Leaf Stage

First top dressing application. 30-40% of nitrogen is applied.

Recommended: KÖK-UAN+ or Urea
3

Before Head Formation

Final nitrogen dose (20-30%) and boron application. Critical for seed formation.

Recommended: Ammonium Nitrate + Boron
4

Flowering Stage

Micro element support via foliar fertilizer. Boron and zinc are important.

Recommended: KÖK-Mix + Boron