Evaluation of tillage systems and row distances on grain yield and oil content in two canola (Brassica napus) Cultivars

In order to study the effect of tillage systems and row distances on yield, yield components and oil content of rapeseed cultivars (Brassica napus L.), two field experiments were carried out at the Sari Agricultural Expriemental Station, 25 km of Eastern Sari, Iran in 2001–2002 and 2002–2003. The experimental design was split plot factorial with three replications. Three tillage system levels were assigned to main plots, and combination of rapeseed cultivars (Hyola 401, PF 7045.91) and row distances (including 8, 16 and 24 cm) were randomized to sub-plots. The tillage levels were consisting of: no-tillage, minimum tillage (residual return with plough and one disk) and conventional tillage (residual return with two disks). Analysis of variance using SAS showed that tillage systems and rapeseed cultivars had significant effect on grain yield at 1% probability level. There was no difference between minimum and no tillage. PF 7045.91 also had the highest grain yield at low distance and conventional tillage (3689 kg.ha). followed by Hyola 40 in 8 cm row distance and no tillage (3164 kg.ha) cultivars differed (p<0.01) for flowering period, branch height, plant height, branch number, pod number, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, oil content and oil yield. Results also showed that more grain yield was produced in conventional tillage system, suitable cultivars are to although by used in minimum or no tillage systems with 8 cm row distance for sustainable of Agricultural systems. It is concluded that minimum and no tillage systems have some advantages over conventional tillage system.