Sugarbeets - Fertility

If manure is applied or legume sod is plowed down, reduce the nitrogen (N) application. (See Table 1-8, Adjustment of Nitrogen Requirement Where Sod Containing Legumes Is Plowed Down, and Table 1-7, Average Amounts of Available Nutrients for Different Types of Manure, on page 9.)

After field corn, use 120-150 kg N/ha (107-134 lb/ac). Reduce nitrogen application to 100-130 kg (89-116 lb/ac) when following other crops. Excess nitrogen will not increase sugarbeet yield. It often has an adverse effect on sugar content and clear juice purity.

Phosphorus

Soil tests are required to determine phosphorus requirements. Where the soil test values are 51 mg P per L soil (ppm) or higher, sugarbeets are unlikely to respond to additional phosphate applications. For soils testing lower than 51 mg P per L soil (ppm), see Table 1-10, Phosphorus Requirements: Vegetables on Mineral Soils, on page 12.

Potassium

Soil tests are required to determine potassium requirements. Where the soil test values are 151 mg K per L soil (ppm) or higher, sugarbeets are unlikely to respond to additional potash applications. For soils testing lower than 151 mg K per L soil (ppm), see Table 1-12, Potassium Requirements: Vegetables on Mineral Soils, on page 14.

Excessive application of potassium will lead to luxury consumption by the sugarbeet plant. This has a negative effect on clear juice purity and sugar recovery.

Starter Fertilizer

Fields with high soil-test levels of phosphorus and potassium do not generally require starter fertilizer. Where starter is required, place it in a band at least 5 cm (2 in.) to the side and 5 cm (2 in.) below the seed to avoid seedling injury.

Manganese

Manganese deficiencies are more common on heavier textured soils with high pH and higher soil organic matter levels. Deficient plants show marked yellowing between the leaf veins; the veins themselves remain green. If soybeans regularly exhibit manganese deficiencies in the field, then manganese deficiency may also occur in sugarbeets. To correct a deficiency, spray with manganese sulfate. See the section Manganese, on page 18, and Table 1-13, Application Rates for Magnesium, Calcium and Micronutrients, on page 16.

Related Links

• Publication 363 - Vegetable Production Recommendations

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