Assessing the Agronomical and Environmental Impacts of the Application of Green Waste-derived Compost on Sugar Beet Under Deficit Irrigation Conditions

Abstract

In the light of global warming and climate changes, as well as the rapid expansion in sugar beet production in the arid and semi-arid regions, improving sugar beet productivity under deficit irrigation is of great importance. Green waste-derived compost (GWC) is a valuable soil amendment for improving soil organic matter, decreasing waste products and potential pollutants. The application of 14 ton ha-1 of GWC resulted in the highest root and recoverable sugar yields especially under the well-irrigated conditions under drip irrigation. Although, the impurities% in the beet root juice was increased under deficit irrigation conditions, sugar beet root biofortification and juice quality were significantly improved under drip irrigation in response to the application of 14 ton ha-1 of GWC by increasing sucrose content, QZ% and RS%. The application of GWC under drip irrigation enhanced water use efficiency for root yield (WUERY) and recoverable sugar yield (WUERSY), in particular under drip irrigation. The soil chemical and physical properties were significantly improved in response to the application of GWC. The results indicate that the application of GWC is essential for the sustainable sugar beet production and efficient irrigation water use in sandy soils.