Why does sugar beet need targeted nutrients?
Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris) is a nutritionally demanding crop, with a strong demand for macro and micronutrients especially during the early stages of vegetative growth. The availability of nutrients in the soil directly influences root yield and sucrose content (polarization).
To achieve high yields, overall nutrient requirements must be assessed and it is recommended to rely on soil analyses.
Generally, the crop requires fertilization that is biased towards potassium, an element that absorbs more abundantly.
BASIC FERTILIZATION (PRE-SOWING) AND COVER NUTRITION
Bottom fertilization before sowing is essential to ensure available nutrients that will be absorbed after seed germination:
- Phosphorus and potassium are normally incorporated into the soil during pre-sowing tillage.
- Nitrogen in presemin, in moderate quantities, allows us to support development in the very early stages of the plant. The use of mineral organ fertilizers allows part of the element to be added in a slow-release form.
In the following period, the chard continues to absorb nutrients intensively: especially nitrogen and potassium in the leaf growth and sugar accumulation phases.
🌿 OPERATIONAL STRATEGY DURING THIS PERIOD
At the end of winter, when preparing the soil and sowing is approaching, it is useful to carry out soil analyses to define the most suitable fertilization and consequently provide the macronutrients that will be needed for the crop, also in relation to the expected yield, especially the less mobile ones such as P and K. By giving part of the nitrogen in presemin, the crop is supported in the early stages.
Our nutritional advice in the early stages:
- Pre-sowing: Flex at a dose of 300-500 kg/ha
- When sowing beetroot we recommend using Cereaphos (localized) at a dose of 150-200 kg/ha
- At the stage of 2-3 true leaves we suggest applying CereaSlow 33 (in coverage) at a dose of 100 Kg/ha.
nb: indicative doses, for nitrogen supply contact your sugar factory technician