Long‐term Nitrogen Rates and Sources Influence Sugarbeet Yield and Quality¹

Abstract

Application of excessive N to sugarbeet‐producing soils has caused a deterioration in sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) quality resulting in decreased sucrose production. The objective of the present work was to determine what rates of N fertilizer would produce maximum sucrose without sacrificing quality. Influences of repeated applications of sugarbeet yield and various quality factors, in a longtime organic and inorganic N sources and rates since 1953 on irrigated sugarbeet‐small grain rotation, were investigated in 1972 at Sidney, Montana. Nitrogen treatments included barnyard manure (22.4 and 67.2 metric tons/ha), green manure (alfalfa and biennial sweetclover), ammonium nitrate (O, 56, 112, 168, 224, 336, 448, and 560 kg N/ha) and a combination organic and inorganic N treatment (67.2 metric tons barnyard manure plus 112 kg inorganic N/ha). Highest sucrose production (7.9 metric tons/ha), obtained with 22.4 metric tons/ha of manure, was accompanied by root yields of 47.5 metric tons/ha, with sucrose percentage of 16.6 and petiole NO3‐N concentration (about 6 weeks before harvest) of 663 ppm. For the inorganic N treatments, highest sucrose yield (7.6 metric tons/ha) was obtained with 112 kg/ha of N, with similar results obtained for the green manure treatments. Inorganic N rates greater than 112 kg/ha caused progressive decreases in sucrose yields, sucrose percentage, and dry matter root weights. Dry matter root/top ratios of two or greater coincide with maximum sucrose yields. Increasing the rate of organic or inorganic N applied decreased dry matter root/top ratios. Results of this study indicate that either barnyard or green manure can be used successfully as a source of N for quality sugarbeet production.

Tile Drainage and Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Influences on Nitrogen Availability, Losses, and Crop Yields

“…The suction lysimeters were installed on June 13, 2013 (15 d after treatment application) and were allowed to equilibrate for a week such that the first water sample collected (22 d after treatment application) was discarded, and not used for data analysis. Then onwards sampling was conducted for a total of 9 times during the growing season (26,29,33,36,40,47, 54, 62, 71 d) after treatment application). Using a hand pump, a vacuum of −60 kPa was applied to the tubes and maintained for a period until the time of water sampling.…”

Nitrogen Source, Timing, and Rate Alternatives for Furrow-irrigated Sugarbeet

“…(1,14,23)], timing (8,13,17), and placement (24,25), information is needed about interactions among relatively new enhanced-efficiency fertilizer N sources and other factors, such as timing and rate. While results from studies on use of new enhanced-efficiency fertilizers on sugarbeet are scarce, research on more traditional slow-release materials like manure (12), biomass (15), and cover crops (5) show promising results for these N sources.…”

Improving Nitrogen Management in Pacific Northwest Sugarbeet Production

“…Compared to other crops, sugarbeets require a relatively narrow range of N supply to optimize yield, quality and economic return. Many research studies have been conducted to evaluate N management in sugarbeet production across the U.S. (Adams et al, 1983;Anderson and Petersen, 1988;Carter et al, 1974 andHartman, 1975 and1980;Halvorson et al, 1978;Hills and Ulrich, 1976;Hills et al, 1978 andLamb and Moraghan, 1993;Stark et al, 1997;and Stevens et al, 2007). In Idaho, the Cooperative Fertilizer Evaluation Program (CFEP) was conducted from 1993 to 1997 to update fertilizer recommendations for sugarbeets using 37 on-farm trials (Stark et al, 1997).…”