The influence of soil amendments on organic flax production

Stefan R. Gailans¹, Mary H. Wiedenhoeft¹, Matt Liebman¹, and Margaret A. Smith²

¹Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University

²Value Added Agriculture Program, Iowa State University

Conclusion

            Apparently after one year of data, producers would likely achieve highest seed yields when growing flax following a soybean crop.  If a producer were to anticipate low weed competition during the flax growing year, semi-composted swine manure or liquid swine manure could be applied at rates up to 90 lb N acre^-1 prior to planting to increase flaxseed yield.  Alternatively, a producer who chooses to grow flax following corn should expect a reduction in seed yields.  Best results following corn and in anticipation of significant weed competition would be expected when either low rates of semi-composted swine manure or high rates of liquid swine manure were applied prior to planting.

            Conventional producers with access to adequate synthetic weed control methods could expect to increase flaxseed yields when applying no more than 90 lb N acre^-1 in a readily available chemical form following either soybean or corn.

            Further research at Iowa State University will explore the effects of previous crop and fertility source and rate on flaxseed yield, flaxseed quality, red clover yield, and weed competition.  Additionally, an enterprise budget for producers will be refined to aid in farm decision making for the flax growing year.

            Due to the increasing trends towards organic production, growers will begin to require an increased pool of information.  The need for adequate fertility is a persistent one and one of continued concern for growers.  This research is being conducted with the intention to add to this pool.