Effects of nitrogen and sulphur on false flax (Camelina sativa cv. calena)-A biofuel crop.

False flax [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz.], as low cost feed stock for biofuels purpose belongs to Brassicacea family, has recently drawn the attention, resulting in the planning of large cultivation in India and other countries and hence the need to optimize its production. An experiment was conducted for two consecutive years in winter seasons of 2011-12 and 2012-13 at Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research, Field Station-Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India. Field trials were designed in split plot arrangement based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Main plots were nitrogen (N) (Urea, 46% N) including 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg/ha and sub-plots were sulphur (S) (Gypsum, 16% S) including 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha. Statistical interpretation at P<0.05 revealed that different levels of N and S significantly affected the Camelina productivity. Both the N and S at lower dose increased the yield components viz., branches/plant, pods/plant, seeds/pod, test seed weight, yield and oil content. The combination of N with S fertilization significantly affected the pods/plant, 1000-seed mass, yield and oil content as well as oil recovery. Thus, the combined fertilization of 40 kg N/ha and 20 kg S/ha was found considerably superior and produced the highest seed yield of 795.45 kg/ha, oil yield of 314.962 l/ha of Camelina and was recommended for higher production and oil enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]