Canary seed requires ample moisture to obtain maximum yields, and so does more poorly on sandier soils. Some growers in Alberta have found canarygrass more tolerant of saline soils than wheat. Tillage influences canarygrass stand and yield. Grain yields have been higher and weed control better with moldboard plowing rather than chisel plowing or rototilling. This corresponds to late March or early April in southern Minnesota or central Wisconsin, or early May in more northern locations.
Yields are lower with later sowings.
A bushel of seed weighs 50 pounds. Lodging is often a problem at higher nitrogen levels. On poorer soils, N is more likely to be limiting. The seed and straw yields of canarygrass are below those of other spring sown cereals, and so nutrient uptake is likely to be somewhat less. Effect of plant density on seed yield of annual canarygrass.