Key points

• Sunflower are moderately tolerant to a range of soil constraints and prefer a friable soil surface for best crop establishment.
• Use soil tests to target nutrient management for both optimal oil and maximum grain yields.
• Nitrogen (N) is the nutrient taken up in the greatest quantities by sunflower and is essential for many plant processes.
• Excessive levels of N can reduce oil content while insufficient N will limit crop yields.
• Phosphorus (P) is the second most frequently limiting nutrient for sunflower crops.
• If arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi levels are low, supplying adequate P and zinc is very important.
• Germinating sunflower seed is very sensitive to fertiliser placed in the seed trench; growers should aim to limit the amount of fertiliser placed in close contact with the seed and use side banding to limit contact.

Use www.grdc.com.au/TT-SunflowerNutrition to keep up-to-date

GRDC Project Code PAL 00019

Region North, South

• 1.00 mb GRDC Tips and Tactics Sunflower nutrition Crop nutrition is a vital management consideration for profitable sunflower production. Getting the right balance and supply of nutrients will maximise sunflower yield and oil quality.