When using this technique, one must use a herbicide tolerant variety of canola in order to control weeds like winter annuals. In most cases, fall seeded canola is being seeded into stubble. This allows for snowtrapping and the crusting problems that are common with summerfallow, are significantly reduced when seeded in stubble. There are also advantages with stubble creating a microclimate for the canola, protecting it from wind shear, heat canker, and evaporation of soil moisture. There are several advantages to early emergence.
Early emergence can take advantage of available stored soil moisture and develop before the weeds.
The combination of early herbicide application and canopy development will usually result in excellent weed control. The yield potential of fall seeded canola is also higher. Although this year has had probably the perfect weather for canola during flowering, on average fall seeded canola will have a longer period of flowering without stress. The longer canola flowers, the higher its yield potential. As with spring seeded canola, adequate fertilizer must be applied.