Nitrogen Fertilizer Optimization for Sugarbeet in the Red River Valley of North Dakota and Minnesota

Abstract

Single fertilizer nitrogen rate of 146 kg N ha−1 for sugarbeet is outdated. Sugarbeet–fertilizer nitrogen recommendation should consider soil characteristics. Sugarbeet yield and sugar content was optimized at 112 kg N ha−1. In‐season soil nitrogen and red‐edge normalized difference vegetative index can predict yield response to nitrogen. Economic optimum nitrogen rate varies from 0 to 405 kg N ha−1. Fertilizer N application is critical to optimize sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) yield and sugar concentration. Regardless of observed yields, current fertilizer recommendations in North Dakota and Minnesota suggest a single application rate of 146 kg N ha−1 (considering both fertilizer N residual soil N of 120 cm depth) for the Red River Valley (RRV) irrespective of soil type and organic matter content. Field experiments were conducted at three sites to determine sugarbeet response to N application rates, 0, 112, 146, 179, and 213 kg N ha−1 and optimal N rate during 2015 and 2016 growing seasons. Year and site had a significant effect on yield and sugar concentration. In 2015, fertilizer‐N significantly increased yield for all three sites, but in 2016, only one site responded to N. The highest N rate (213 kg N ha−1) reduced sugar concentration in 2016. In‐season soil available N (of 0–120 cm) significantly correlated with yield (R2 = 0.35) and economic return (R2 = 0.28). In season, red edge normalized difference vegetative index (RENDVI) based on the handheld optical sensor was significantly (P < 0.05) related to fertilizer‐N application rate. Economic optimum N rate for three sites varied from 0 to 405 kg N ha−1 depending on year and site characteristics. Our results suggest a revision of current sugarbeet fertilizer N recommendation to replace the single rate with N rates based on site characteristics and profitability to N applications.

Interactive Effects of Gibberellic Acid and Nitrogen Fertilization on the Growth, Yield, and Quality of Sugar Beet

“…Similar results have been reported by Abdelaal and Tawfik [16], Mekdad [17], Afshar et al [21], and Zarski et al [22]. A moderate supply of nitrogen fertilizer is an essential limiting factor for optimum yield, but the excess in nitrogen fertilizer amounts may result in an increase in root yield with lower sucrose content and juice purity [4][5][6][7]. Over fertilizing sugar beet with more nitrogen than needed for maximum sucrose production led to decreased sucrose yield [8,9].…”

“…The increase in the above mentioned traits with the increa of applied levels of nitrogen fertilizer may be attributed to the role of nitrogen in enhan ing rapid early growth, encouraging the uptake and utilization of other nutrients inclu ing potassium and phosphorous, increasing protein content through synthesize amino a ids, and controlling the overall growth of the plant [40,41]. Similar results have been r ported by Abdelaal and Tawfik [16], Mekdad [17], Afshar et al [21], and Zarski et al [2 A moderate supply of nitrogen fertilizer is an essential limiting factor for optimum yie but the excess in nitrogen fertilizer amounts may result in an increase in root yield wi lower sucrose content and juice purity [4][5][6][7]. Over fertilizing sugar beet with more nitr gen than needed for maximum sucrose production led to decreased sucrose yield [8, With increasing nitrogen supply, sugar concentration decreased, while root yield, sug yield, and white sugar yield increased and reached maximum values when sugar be was fertilized at 159, 136, and 129 kg N/ha, respectively [42].…”

“…Consequently, the effects of nitrogen fertilization on the quality and production of sugar beets is one of the main concerns in the management of sugar beet production. Many studies have been conducted where it was concluded that fertilizing sugar beet with too little nitrogen resulted in the reduction of root tonnage and, conversely, the application of too much resulted in reduced sucrose concentrations and purity percentage [4][5][6][7]. Although deficient nitrogen content in the soil can reduce sugar beet root yield, excess amounts of N can decrease sucrose content while lowering sucrose recovery due to higher nitrate impurities [8,9].…”

Relationship of Drone‐Based Vegetation Indices with Corn and Sugarbeet Yields

“…Compared to other crops, sugarbeet has a narrow range of fertilizer‐N demand to optimize yield, quality, and economic return (Tarkalson et al, 2016). Chatterjee et al (2018) did not find a fertilizer N response above 112 kg N ha −1 , and economic return significantly reduced at 213 kg N ha −1 within the Red River Valley of North Dakota and Minnesota. Growing season condition is far more critical than fertilizer‐N application rate (Chatterjee et al, 2018).…”

“…Chatterjee et al (2018) did not find a fertilizer N response above 112 kg N ha −1 , and economic return significantly reduced at 213 kg N ha −1 within the Red River Valley of North Dakota and Minnesota. Growing season condition is far more critical than fertilizer‐N application rate (Chatterjee et al, 2018). Sugarbeet production has a requirement of 300 to 500 mm of water and environment accounted for 80% of total yield variance in Europe (Märländer et al, 2003, Hoffmann et al, 2009).…”