The ability to provide timely irrigation and fertilization to crops in central Washington greatly enhances the opportunities Washington farmers may have to produce biofuel crops. The number of biofuel crop types as well as the productivity potentials will be considerably higher and less risky for irrigated producers than dryland producers. Where irrigation water is not limiting, these crops need to compete with the high value, high yielding irrigated crops currently being grown (e.g. corn, onions, alfalfa). In the deep well district where deficit irrigation is the norm, canola has proven to be an economically viable crop in rotation with wheat, potatoes and bluegrass. More recent studies are investigating the value of irrigated winter canola as a biennial crop grown for silage and feed, as well as how to manage heavy wheat residue before planting canola.
Management of Fresh Wheat Residue for Irrigated Winter Canola Production
Dual Purpose Biennial Canola (Brassica Napus L.): Forage, Silage, and Grain Production in the Pacific Northwest
Utilization of Winter Canola Grown under Irrigation for Grain and Silage
Dryland and Irrigated Cropping Systems Research with Camelina, Winter Canola, and Safflower
2014 Progress Report (pdf)
2013 Progress Report (pdf)
2012 Progress Report (pdf)
Soilborne Diseases of Canola and Camelina in Irrigated Cropping Systems
2014 Progress Report (pdf) (canola only)
2013 Progress Report (pdf) (canola only)
2010 Progress Report (pdf)
Double-Cropping Dual Purpose Irrigated Biennial Canola with Green Pea
2013 Progress Report (pdf)
2012 Progress Report (pdf)
Producing Switchgrass for Biofuel in Washington State
2011 Progress Report (pdf)
2010 Progress Report (pdf)
2009 Progress Report (pdf)
2008 Progress Report (pdf)
Safflower Oilseed Production under Deficit Irrigation and Variable N Fertilization
2011 Progress Report (pdf)
2010 Progress Report (pdf)
2009 Progress Report (pdf)
2008 Progress Report (pdf)
Irrigated Canola Research
2010 Progress Report (pdf)
2009 Progress Report (pdf)
2008 Progress Report (pdf)
Nutrient and Water Use Efficiency of Oilseed Crops
2008 Progress Report (pdf) (updated title: Biofuel Feedstock Research for Irrigated Central Washington)
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