Ag News Links
More Ag News
 
Ag News
Better Sugar Beet Nitrogen Requirements Set
Published Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 05:00 AM
In integrated farming systems, sugar beet growers harvest the root for cash income and use the tops and root-processing byproducts for livestock feed. This dual benefit works well, but the amount of nitrogen fertilizer required to produce more tops decreases the amount of sugar in the root. A study conducted by Agricultural Research Service scientists and their cooperators has dispelled the belief among some sugar beet growers that different sugar beet varieties require different nitrogen fertilization applications.

In the study researchers at the ARS’ Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory in Sidney, Montana found there are very minor differences in how eight sugar beet varieties commonly grown in northern Wyoming and southern Montana respond to nitrogen fertilization. Therefore, growers do not have to further complicate their fertilizer-management decisions by adjusting nitrogen applications for individual varieties. Growers should continue to choose appropriate varieties based on their overall management objectives.

Also, the study's updated nitrogen-response information can improve recommendations for sugar beet, regardless of the grower's production objectives or the variety being grown. Using the updated information tables found in the study's manuscript growers can increase the efficiency of fertilizer applied in their operations, thereby improving net returns through increased sugar and/or tops production.

© 2010 The Nebraska Rural Radio Association. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
KTIC Lee Valley Inc ROS_KTIC_MARKETS_ALL KTIC Classifieds ROS_KTIC_MARKETS_ALL KTIC Egbers Flighting & Supply Co ROS_KTIC_MARKETS_ALL Rural Radio Foundation