Sugar beet

Basic Information

The objective in sugar beet production is to achieve a high mass yield and a high sugar content in the beets. Objectives of crop management in spring:

• Promotion of root development
• Rapid youth development and row closure
• Tolerance against temperature and water stress
• Good nutrient absorption and supply of manganese and zinc
• High photosynthesis capacity and sugar storage

Detailed Description

At the beginning of the cycle, the nutrients are mobilized from the leaves. The crop quickly establishes an optimal leaf surface for photosynthesis. Later, the nutritional elements are gradually redistributed to the roots.
Sugar beet is classified as a very demanding crop in terms of phosphorus and potassium due to its high requirements at the beginning. A phosphorus deficiency impedes the establishment of the crop.
Regarding nitrogen, the local application at seeding is considered an optimal technique to limit losses by volatilization and to promote the use of mineral fertilizer. COMPO EXPERT developed a starter fertilization range with N, P and trace elements suitable for this crop (see EasyStart^® and NovaTec^® solutions).
Sugar beets require high amounts of boron. Deficiencies of boron as well as zinc and manganese are widespread.
Possible symptoms of a boron deficiency are insufficient fertilization and fruit retention, weak root development, deformed leaves as well as hollow, rough or cracked stems.
For a high sugar beet yield, an early row closure, a corresponding reduction in weed pressure and unproductive water evaporation, and increasing photosynthesis capacity are essential. With the proven trace nutrient fertilizers from COMPO EXPERT (e.g. Basfoliar^® Boro SL, Nutribor^® and Nutribor^® Fluid) sugar beet stocks can be secured and rapid youth development and thus yield formation can be promoted.