Sunflower
Basic Information
The Sunflower is a temperate and subtropical annual oilseed. The plant is naturally resistant to drought. Hybrid breeding increased diseases tolerance as well as yield potential and facilitates the crop management. Sunflower is grown mainly for the fatty acids (food oil). The sunflower has the following location requirements:
- Soils that warm up easily, as a high temperature is required for germination
- Long vegetation period (about 150 frost-free days),
- High temperature during the growing season
- Sufficient water supply at the time of flowering
- Persistent dry weather at the beginning of ripening
Detailed Description
Fertilization with phosphate and potassium should be based on nutrient uptake and the nutrient supply in the soil. Sunflowers are sensitive to chloride. Potassium fertilizers containing chloride are best applied during fall on medium to heavy soils; immediately after sowing sulfate forms are preferable (e.g. on light soils). A sufficient magnesium supply is needed on underserved sites with fertilizers containing magnesium. Care must also be taken to ensure a sufficient supply of boron. COMPO EXPERT offers a specific fertilization program.