Abstract
Flax (Linum usitatissimum [Linaceae]—linen family) is an ancient crop that had been grown in Iowa for many years, but was displaced by the emphasis on commodity corn and soybeans. Flax has many uses, including industrial oils from oilseed flax, food-quality flaxseed oil, linen products, fiberboard, and paper products from the straw. Flaxseed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with lowered risk of heart disease and lowered blood cholesterol levels. Flax has a 50-day vegetative period, a 25-day flowering period, and a 35-day period to maturity. Seeds are produced in bolls that contain 6–10 seeds. Seed color can be brown, golden, or yellow. A mucilaginous coating covers the seed. The flax crop responds to up to 50 lb/acre nitrogen, similar to organic small grains. Mycorrhizal association may increase the ability of flax to take up phosphorus from the soil, so growing flax after mycorrhizal wheat rather than after nonmycorrhizal canola may improve its phosphorus uptake. Early-seeded flax generally produces the highest yields, when using the same planting dates as small grains. Frost seldom kills flax seedlings. Nonuniform maturity and ripening are problems in late-seeded fields. With the introduction of a processing facility, organic flaxseed oil can now be processed in Iowa and sold around the world. There is, in turn, a potential for increased organic flax production in Iowa.
Keywords: Horticulture, Agronomy
How to Cite:
Delate, K., McKern, A., Rosmann, D., Burcham, R. & Kennicker, J., (2006) “Evaluation of Varieties, Fertility Treatments, and Red Clover Underseeding for Certified Organic Flax Production - Neely-Kinyon Trial, 2005”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports 2005(1).
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