Double-cropping autumn-sown camelina with food crops and pelargonic acid application

Summary

This two-year field study at the University of Bologna examined whether autumn-sown camelina can serve as a winter intermediate crop in double-cropping systems with summer food crops in Mediterranean conditions. Novel application of pelargonic acid bioherbicide accelerated camelina desiccation and harvest timing, enabling earlier establishment of succeeding crops; when followed by sunflower, the system achieved substantially higher total seed yield and economic return than sole-sunflower cultivation, though pairing with sorghum was less productive. The findings suggest that camelina double-cropping offers a viable strategy to replace fallow periods whilst maintaining food security and biobased feedstock production.

Regional applicability

This study was conducted in Italy under Mediterranean conditions with varieties specifically selected for European cultivation. The findings are likely transferable to Mediterranean regions of southern United Kingdom, particularly for camelina-sunflower sequences, though UK growers would need to assess variety selection and pelargonic acid regulations (bioherbicide approval status under UK pesticide law). The camelina-sorghum sequence showed poor performance and may be less applicable to UK temperate systems.

Key measures

Seed yield (Mg DM ha−1), seed oil content (%), harvest maturity (days), total system seed production, gross revenue (€ ha−1), resource use efficiency

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated agronomic performance, resource use efficiency, and economic profitability of autumn-sown camelina double-cropped with grain sorghum and sunflower, with and without pelargonic acid desiccation. Pelargonic acid application advanced harvest by 7–15 days, increased camelina seed yield but reduced oil content, and when followed by sunflower, produced 47% higher total seed yield than sole-sunflower systems with highest gross revenue.

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