Fertilization
Soil Testing
The only way to accurately know the nutrient levels is to soil test. The pH of soil is very important. It tells if the soil is on the acid side, neutral or alkaline. Soils below pH 6.5 (acid) should have lime applied for optimum sugarbeet production. Soils above pH 7.2 (alkaline) may require manganese in starter fertilizer or sprayed on foliage to correct a deficiency.
Nitrogen Use
The correct amount of nitrogen to apply to a particular field is not easy to determine. Nitrogen availability to the beet crop is affected by weather conditions, soil type, crop rotation and grower management practices.
The premium being paid for above average sugar content, due to the higher value of a ton of sugarbeets, makes it even more important to apply the proper amount of nitrogen. Excess nitrogen has an adverse effect on quality, both sugar content and clear juice purity, and does not increase tons per acre.
All or a portion of the nitrogen can be applied shortly before or at planting time; the remaining nitrogen may be applied early after beet emergence. Beets require the most nitrogen during the first 60-days of growth. It is advantageous to get a good leaf cover (to maximize light interception) as early as possible in the growing season; this will enhance maximum sugar production. Sugarbeets start to lose their dark green color toward the end of August or early September if the proper amount of nitrogen was applied. Dark green sugarbeets in September indicate excessive available nitrogen and will reduce beet quality of sugar content and clear juice purity.
| Nitrogen Recommendations | |
|---|---|
| Previous Crop | nitrogen to apply (lbs./Acre) |
| Corn | 120-150 |
| Other Crops | 90-120 |
Fertilizer
Generally, the fertilizer is applied in the spring, just a few weeks before final preparation of the seed bed. The quality of the fertilizer and the proper calibration of the fertilizer spreader are extremely important.
Starter Fertilizer
Fields with high soil test levels of phosphate and potash generally do not require starter fertilizer. When banding starter fertilizer place at two (2) inches to the side and two (2) inches below the seed. Closer placement to the seed may cause seedling injury (especially high rates) and poor seed to soil contact.
Broadcast Fertilizer
This method of fertilizer application speeds up the planting operation, eliminates the possibility of seedling injury from starter fertilizer and provides better beet emergence with the elimination of the fertilizer disk openers.
Helpful Points in Fertilizer Spreading
- Granules are of uniform size
- No rocks or clods
- Consult the application table
- Power take-off speed must be adjusted to forward speed of tractor
- Spreader must be level
- Height of spreader must be in the right relation to the ground
- Dual tires minimize wheel marks and soil compaction
- Accurately placed flags prevent overlap of fertilizer (double dose)
More Information
For more detailed fertilizer information, view Fertilizing Sugarbeet, published by the Cooperative Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
