Wheat farmers can see yield increases with canola crop rotation, according to Kim Anderson, Oklahoma State University. Research shows a 10 percent increase of wheat yields with an every third year planting of canola, while an increase by 15 percent was found on a canola every other year crop rotation.
Another advantage with rotating wheat and canola is weed control. Few methods are available to control rye and other weed problems in wheat, reports Southwest Farm Press. Canola may break weed and disease cycles.
Farmers may consider the limited ability to graze cattle on canola, and growing and harvesting canola requires additional equipment.
Rotating wheat and canola can help comply with export requirements for clean wheat—a near zero percent foreign matter milling quality, but can result in higher yields and profits.
“All that is required is knowledge, work, and persistence,” Anderson said.