In order to provide a scientific basis for rapeseed simplified fertilization technique, the study on suitable nitrogen fertilizer application methods in different rapeseed production areas and the differences on two kinds of cultivation patterns were studied under the condition of nitrogen single basal application. Four field experiments about transplanting and direct seeding rape were conducted in the Jianghuai area and the riverside area in Anhui province during 2010 and 2011. The results showed that the seed yield and N accumulation were higher for transplanting rape than direct seeding rape under the same nitrogen fertilizer application method when nitrogen fertilizer application rate was 180 kg/hm2 with single basal application. Direct seeding rape had higher economic benefit compared with transplanting rape in the Jianghuai area, meanwhile, the economic benefit of direct seeding rape was closed to transplanting rape in the riverside area after deducting the cost of labor. The highest yield, the largest N accumulation and the optimal nitrogen use efficiency were the method of nitrogen fertilizer application in concentration (iespot application in transplanting rape, row application in direct seeding rape) in the Jianghuai area and added nitrogen fertilizer surface broadcast with plowing in the riverside area. In the same fertilization modes, direct seeding rape had lower grain yield compared with transplanting rape, but the economic benefit was not decreased significantly under the condition of single fertilization. Therefore, direct seeding was the best choice for simplified cultivation on rapeseed. The optimal method was nitrogen fertilizer application in concentration in the Jianghuai area. Nitrogen fertilizer surface broadcast with plowing and nitrogen fertilizer application in concentration were both suitable selections in the riverside area, but the local conditions must be considered.