Camelina Production Affected by Seeding Rate and Depth.

Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) is an oilseed that has shown potential as an alternative crop to diversify wheat-fallow systems in the northern Great Plains. However, agronomic information is lacking for management of this relatively new crop.  The impact of seeding depth and rate were determined in small field plots in a semi-arid environment during 2009-2010 and 2010, respectively.  Plant density measured during 2009 was consistently greater for camelina seeded to a depth of 6mm than to depths of 13, 19, or 25 mm. For 2010, camelina density was similar for all seeding depths across six sampling dates. Weed biomass at harvest for both years was as low or lower for the 6mm depth than the deeper seeding depths.  Seed yield for both years was similar for all seeding depths and averaged 1393 kg ha^-1.  In the seeding rate trial plant density was similar across all seeding rates for the first three sampling dates, but was as great or greater for the 6.7 and 9.0 kg ha^-1 than the 2.2 and 4.5 kg ha^-1 seeding rates for the last three sampling dates. Weed biomass at harvest was greater for the 2.2 than the 4.5 or 6.7 kg ha^-1 seeding rates and was intermediate for the 9.0 kg ha^-1 rate.  Seed yield for the 2.2 kg ha^-1 seeding rate was 54% lower than the other rates. Preliminary results suggest seeding camelina to a depth deeper than 6 mm decreases plant density and crop competiveness with weeds, and that seeding rates greater than 2.2 kg ha^-1 increase seed yield and decrease weed biomass at harvest.