Developing agronomic practices for flax production in the Northeast

Developing agronomic practices for flax production in the Northeast

Summary

With uncertain stability and increasing grain, fuel, and energy costs, many livestock farmers want to work towards innovative strategies to gain an advantage in the marketplace. . Flax is a new crop to the region but is generating lots of interest by farmers and consumers. Flax is well known for having high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids making this a plant that has benefits for human and animal health. Hence flax is a versatile crop that can provide many services and markets for the farmer.  Development of regional production practices will assist farmers with producing flax a high value oilseed crop.

Therefore the objective of this project is to develop varietal recommendations, weed management strategies, and proper planting date ranges to improve the yield and quality of flax in the Northeast. In the summer of 2013 a variety trial produced yields ranging from 255 to 634 lbs. acre^-1, which was much lower than typical yields from regions where flax is normally grown. Yields from variety trials in North Dakota range from 1200-2100 lbs acre^-1. Yield was mostly compromised due to harvest difficulties with the plot combine. Cultivating flax grown in 9-inch rows prove to be a very effective means to control weeds in flax. The average percent of weeds removed from wide 9-inch rows after cultivation was 80.5%. Flax grown in narrow 4.5-inch rows also prove to be effective at reducing weed pressure. The wide row yielded the highest at 622 lbs acre^-1, over twice the yields from the control plot.  A planting date study revealed that earlier planting dates (April) will likely lead to less weed pressure and higher yields. Outreach to the farming community included two field days and development of farmer friendly research reports posted online. Trial information will be shared at upcoming winter events.

Objectives/Performance Targets

We aim to develop the knowledge base for farmers to produce flax on-farm and improve farm profitability. Through the project we will work to educate farmers on the many uses for this multipurpose crop for both sales and use on farms.

 OBJECTIVE 1 is to identify regionally-adapted brown and golden flax genotypes that offer an optimal combination of early vigor, disease resistance, weed competitiveness, yield and oilseed quality—characteristics that serve at the foundation of growers’ management strategies.

 OBJECTIVE 2 is to evaluate weed management strategies in flax. Growers have identified severe weed competition as a barrier to success with flax. Since herbicide options are limited and many growers also prefer non-herbicide control option new and innovative practices need to be evaluated. We expect narrow row, high-density sowing and wide-row/cultivation strategies, which have performed impressively in small grain production, to provide effective weed management in flax. In addition, there is evidence from other regions that underseeding flax with clover may reduce weed pressure.

 OBJECTIVE 3 is to identify proper planting dates required to maximize flax yield and quality of crops. Cool season crops such as flax are sensitive to late planting as warm temperatures can have an impact on seed set. Through this project we will conduct a planting date study with two flax varieties to determine the range of best possible planting dates for our region.

Accomplishments/Milestones

INTRODUCTION

 Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a multi-purpose crop grown for its fiber, oil (linseed oil), and meal. The importance of flax as a major crop in the United States dropped drastically in the 1980’s when latex paints replaced linseed oil based paint. Recently there has been renewed interest in flax, both for human consumption and for animal feed, for its high levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. This variety trial was established to determine what flax varieties can grow and thrive in the Northeast.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Twelve flax varieties were planted at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT on 23-Apr 2013. General plot management is listed in Table 1. The previous crop was corn silage, and prior to that, the site had been in sod. The field was disked and spike tooth harrowed prior to planting. Plots were seeded with a Kincaid Cone Seeder at a seeding rate of 50 lbs acre^-1.

 Population and vigor were measured on 22-May. Populations were determined by taking two 1/3 meter counts per plot.

On 9-Jul plant heights were measured, and the severity of lodging was recorded as a percent of plot lodged. Flax plots were harvested with an Almaco SP50 small plot combine on 6-Sep 2013. The harvest area was 5’ x 20’. Seed was cleaned with a small Clipper M2B cleaner (A.T. Ferrell, Bluffton, IN). The varieties of flax grown are listed in Table 2. Results were analyzed with an analysis of variance in SAS (Cary, NC). The Least Significant Difference (LSD) procedure was used to separate cultivar means when the F-test was significant (p< 0.10).

 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

 Seasonal precipitation and temperature recorded at a weather station in Alburgh, VT are shown in Table 3. From April to September, there was an accumulation of 5,335 Growing Degree Days (GDDs) in Alburgh which is 15 GDDs less than the 30-year average. Flax needs 1,603 GDD to reach maturity.

 Flax yields and plot characteristics are listed in Table 4. Plant populations measured on 22-May resulted in significant differences between flax varieties with Neche having the highest population of 546 plants m^-2. However those differences did not relate to yield differences when the plots were harvested on 6-Sep. Flax yields ranged from 255 to 634 lbs. acre^-1 (Figure 1), which is much lower than typical yields from regions where flax is normally grown. Yields from variety trials in North Dakota range from 1200-2100 lbs acre^-1. Yields from our Vermont flax trial were lower than North Dakota yields. Yield was mostly compromised due to harvest difficulties with the plot combine. Direct combining the light-weight flax seed proved more challenging than expected. The air on the combine needed to be shut-off so seed would not be lost out the back of the combine. Unfortunately this resulted in all of the chaff and seed getting plugged in the base of the combine. Once plugged it was very difficult to remove the seed without losing some of the plot onto the ground. This issue would have likely been alleviated if the crop was swathed and dried prior to harvest. Unfortunately the weather at the time of harvest was not favorable for swathing so direct combining was used for harvest. Next season if direct combine is necessary hand harvest will be performed on a subsection of the plot to determine yields prior to harvest loss.

INTRODUCTION

Flax is a spring annual that is usually planted as early as the ground can be worked. One of the main challenges growing flax is weed control. Flax plants compete poorly with fast growing weeds due to its relatively short height (between 12 and 36 inches when mature) and tiny leaves. This trial was initiated to see if management, including different row spacing and cultivation, would affect weed densities in flax.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This trial was planted at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT on 19-Apr 2013. General plot management is listed in Table 1. Soils were prepared with practices similar to those used by producers in the surrounding area. The previous crop was spring wheat. The field was disked and spike tooth harrowed prior to planting. Plots were seeded at a seeding rate of 50 lbs acre^-1. Four weed control techniques were compared against a control of standard 6” row spacing and no cultivation (Table 2). The narrow row treatment was planted with a Kverneland grain drill at 4.5” row spacing. The wide row treatment was also planted with a Kverneland grain drill (by plugging every other hole in the hopper for 9” row spacing) and cultivated with a Schmotzer hoe on 4-Jun. The tineweed treatment was planted with a Great Plains grain drill at 6” row spacing and tine weeded on 4-Jun. The interseed treatment was planted with a Great Plains grain drill at standard 6” row spacing with the addition of Alice white clover at 4 lbs acre^-1.

Heights, population, and weed counts were measured on 31-May. Populations were determined by counting flax plants in one ½ meter² quadrat per plot. Annual and perennial broadleaf and grass weeds were counted in one ½ meter² quadrat before and after cultivation. The tine-weed and wide row treatments were cultivated on 4-Jun. Additionally, weed cover was determined on 18-Jun as a percent of total plant cover using the web based IMAGING crop response analyzer. Digital images were taken with a compact digital camera, Canon PowerShot G12 (Melville, NY) (10.4 Megapixels). One picture covering approximately 1/2 m² was taken in each plot before weeding and one picture was taken after weeding. Digital images were analyzed with the automated imaging software, which was programmed in MATLAB (MathWorks, Inc., Natick, MA) and later converted into a free web-based software (www.imaging-crop.dk). The outcome of the analysis is a leaf cover index, which is the proportion of pixels in the images determined to be green. Total plant cover (1^st picture) – flax cover (second picture)/ total plant cover = weed cover (%).

Flax plots were harvested with an Almaco SP50 small plot combine on 6-Sep 2013. The harvest area was 5’ x 20’. Seed was cleaned with a small Clipper M2B cleaner (A.T. Ferrell, Bluffton, IN). Results were analyzed with an analysis of variance in SAS (Cary, NC). The Least Significant Difference (LSD) procedure was used to separate cultivar means when the F-test was significant (p< 0.10).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Seasonal precipitation and temperature recorded at a weather station in Alburgh, VT are shown in Table 3. From April to September, there was an accumulation of 5,335 Growing Degree Days (GDDs), in Alburgh which is 15 GDDs less than the 30-year average. Flax needs 1,603 GDD to reach maturity.

Two weed treatments in this study so poorly competed with weeds that we did not harvest them due to the excessive weed pressure. Only the narrow row treatment, wide row with Schmotzer hoe, and control were harvested (for comparison purposes) (Table 4). Images of these treatments just before harvest are presented below (Figures 1-3). Visually, it was clear that the wide row with hoeing treatment was most effective at competing with weeds; the narrow row treatment was a close second, and the control was over-run with weeds.

The Schmotzer hoe was very effective at removing weeds from the flax plots. From weed counts taken before and after cultivation on 4-Jun, the average percent of weeds removed from tine weeding was 23.4% while the average percent of weeds removed from wide rows after Schmotzer hoeing was 80.5% (data not shown). Two weed treatments in this study so poorly competed with weeds that we did not harvest them due to the excessive weed pressure. Only the narrow row treatment, wide row with Schmotzer hoe, and control were harvested (for comparison purposes) (Table 4). Images of these treatments just before harvest are presented below (Figures 1-3). Visually, it was clear that the wide row with hoeing treatment was most effective at competing with weeds; the narrow row treatment was a close second, and the control was over-run with weeds.

Flax populations, weed populations, and heights measured on 31-May were not significantly different for any of the weed control treatments. The weed cover, measured on 18-Jun resulted in significantly different weed cover (out of total plant cover), 14.0 and 16.6% for the narrow row and wide row treatments compared to over 40% weeds for the control (Figure 4). The wide row with Schmotzer hoeing yielded the highest at 622 lbs acre^-1, over twice the yields from the control plot (Table 4 & Figure 4). Challenges of direct cut combining, such as losing the light flax seed in nooks and cracks in the combine, likely resulted in reported yields lower than actual yields.  

INTRODUCTION

Early seeding of flax generally produces the best yields and quality. Moderate temperatures and sufficient soil moisture during flowering and seed development are important for high yield and quality, and these conditions are more likely to occur with early seeding. There is little risk of frost damage with flax. Newly emerged flax can withstand temperatures down to 27^O F, while plants past the two leaf stage can withstand temperatures as low as 18^O F. This trial was initiated to see how late in the growing season flax can be planted without compromising yields.

 MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two varieties of flax were planted on four planting dates from mid-April to mid-May 2013. This trial was planted at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT. General plot management is listed in Table 1. The previous crop was spring wheat. The field was disked and spike tooth harrowed prior to planting. Plots were seeded at a seeding rate of 50 lbs acre^-1.

 Populations were determined on 22-May by counting plants in two 1/3 meter sections. Weed cover was determined on 17-Jun as a percent of total plant cover using the web based IMAGING crop response analyzer. Digital images were taken with a compact digital camera, Canon PowerShot G12 (Melville, NY) (10.4 Megapixels). One picture covering approximately 1/2 m² was taken in each plot before weeding and one picture was taken after weeding. Digital images were analyzed with the automated imaging software, which was programmed in MATLAB (MathWorks, Inc., Natick, MA) and later converted into a free web-based software (www.imaging-crop.dk). The outcome of the analysis is a leaf cover index, which is the proportion of pixels in the images determined to be green. Total plant cover (1^st picture) – flax cover (second picture)/ total plant cover = weed cover (%).

 Flax plots were harvested with an Almaco SP50 small plot combine on 5-Sep 2013. The harvest area was 5’ x 20’. Seed was cleaned with a small Clipper M2B cleaner (A.T. Ferrell, Bluffton, IN). Results were analyzed with an analysis of variance in SAS (Cary, NC). The Least Significant Difference (LSD) procedure was used to separate cultivar means when the F-test was significant (p< 0.10).

 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Seasonal precipitation and temperature recorded at a weather station in Alburgh, VT are shown in Table 2. From April to September, there was an accumulation of 5,335 Growing Degree Days (GDDs) in Alburgh which is 15 GDDs less than the 30-year average. Flax needs 1,603 GDD to reach maturity.

 Flax plot characteristics and harvest yields are presented by planting date in Table 3 and by variety in Table 4. Overall, yields were lower than expected due to heavy weed pressure. Additionally, of the two varieties chosen for the planting date trial, Omega’s growth was severely delayed (compared to the other 11 varieties in the Flax Variety Trial). However, even with the significant difference in yield and population between the two varieties (Table 4), there was no significant difference in yield by planting date. Generally, yields of the two flax varieties, Omega and Rahab 94, decreased with later planting dates (Figure 1).  

INTRODUCTION

 One of the main challenges growing flax is weed control.  Flax plants compete poorly with fast growing weeds due to its relatively short height (between 12 and 36 inches when mature) and tiny leaves. This trial was initiated to see if interseeding flax with forage crops would affect weed densities in flax.

 MATERIALS AND METHODS

 This trial was planted at Butterworks Farm in Westfield, VT on 19-May 2013. The previous crop was grass sod. The field was plowed in the fall of 2012 and disked and spike tooth harrowed prior to planting. Plots were seeded at a seeding rate of 50 lbs acre^-1. Three interseed treatments were initiated approximately one month after flax planting. The treatments included Alice white clover (6 lbs acre^-1), Forage blend of timothy, alsike clover and red clover (15 lbs acre^-1), and a control.  The plots were broadcast seeded with the forage a crop in plots 5 x 20’ and replicated 3 times. Unfortunately severe weed pressure followed by lodging made it impossible to harvest the plots. The farmer was also unable to harvest his crop.

Three research reports have been generated from each experiment conducted. These research reports have been developed into a farmer-friendly format and posted on the UVM Northwest Crop and Soil website (uvm.edu/extension/cropsoil/.

On June 24, 2013 a Grain Field Day was held to highlight research trials at Borderview Farm. There were 68 farmers in attendance at the daylong event. Farmers toured the flax research trials and learned about preliminary results.

Flax was also highlighted at the UVM Extension Crop and Soil Field Day held at Borderview Farm on August 1^st of 2013. This event drew approximately 200 people from the region. At the field day flax research was highlighted and any preliminary data shared with attendees. Further outreach will be conducted over the winter months.

• Flax Variety Trial Tables and Graphs
• Flax Weed Control Trial Graphs and Tables
• Flax Planting Date Trial Graphs and Tables
• Interseeding Trial Map

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Since the beginning of the project the major outcomes has been the development of research reports for delivery to the farming community during the winter of 2014. Thus far we provided approximately 300 farms and service providers with knowledge on how to produce flax in the northeast.  Further outcomes will be achieved as more outreach is delivered to the farming community.

Collaborators: