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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pendleton, Oregon » Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #323071
Title: Development of dryland oilseed production systems in northwestern region of the USA

Author
item Long, Daniel
item Young, Francis
item SCHILLINGER, WILLIAM - Washington State University
item Reardon, Catherine - Kate
item Williams, John
item Allen, Brett
item PAN, WILLIAM - Washington State University
item WYSOCKI, DONALD - Oregon State University

Submitted to: BioEnergy Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/11/2016
Publication Date: 2/29/2016
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/5201632
Citation: Long, D.S., Young, F.L., Schillinger, W.F., Reardon, C.L., Williams, J.D., Allen, B.L., Pan, W., Wysocki, D.J. 2016. Development of dryland oilseed production systems in northwestern region of the USA. BioEnergy Research. 9:412-429.

Interpretive Summary: This report addresses the development of dryland oilseed crops to provide feedstock for production of biofuels in semiarid portions of the northwestern United States. Bioenergy feedstocks derived from Brassica oilseed crops have been considered for production of hydrotreated renewable jet fuel, but crop growth and yields in the Northwestern region are limited by a lack of plant available water. Based on a review of the scientific literature, several areas were identified where research could be directed to provide improvements. The current agronomic limitations for oilseed production are mainly due to seedling establishment under extreme heat, dry seedbeds at optimum planting times, survival under extreme cold, and interspecific competition with weeds. To improve emergence and stand establishment, future work should focus on developing soil management and seeding techniques that optimize plant available water, reduce heat stress, and provide a competitive advantage against weeds that are customized for specific crops, soil types, and soil and environmental conditions. Spring and winter cultivars are needed that offer increased seedling vigor, drought resistance, and cold tolerance.

Technical Abstract: This report addresses the development of dryland oilseed crops to provide feedstock for production of biofuels in semiarid portions of the northwestern United States. Bioenergy feedstocks derived from Brassica oilseed crops have been considered for production of hydrotreated renewable jet fuel, but crop growth and yields in the Northwestern region are limited by a lack of plant available water. Based on a review of the scientific literature, several areas were identified where research could be directed to provide improvements. The current agronomic limitations for oilseed production are mainly due to seedling establishment under extreme heat, dry seedbeds at optimum planting times, survival under extreme cold, and interspecific competition with weeds. To improve emergence and stand establishment, future work should focus on developing soil management and seeding techniques that optimize plant available water, reduce heat stress, and provide a competitive advantage against weeds that are customized for specific crops, soil types, and soil and environmental conditions. Spring and winter cultivars are needed that offer increased seedling vigor, drought resistance, and cold tolerance.