Sugar Beet Crop Production and Management

Abstract

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), which is generally regarded as a temperate crop, is grown in winter in countries with subtropical climate characteristics. Its vegetation period is half that of sugar cane; however, the yield is higher and less water is needed in the growing period compared to sugar cane. Environmental and agronomic factors significantly affect the sugar beet yield and quality. In order to improve the quality of sugar beet and to obtain maximum yield from it, it is necessary to select the most appropriate varieties, sowing time, sowing method, sowing density, sowing depth, fertilizer type and amount, and irrigation plan. The most suitable air temperature for the development of sugar beet is between 15 and 25 °C. In conditions other than these temperatures, yield and quality are adversely affected. Therefore, the planting date should be determined to coincide with the given temperature range. The sowing method, density, and depth significantly affect the yield and quality. 11–12 plant m⁻², 45–50 cm row distances, 20–25 cm plant distance in row, and 2–3 cm sowing depth are ideal for sugar beet agriculture. Insufficient or excessive irrigation has negative consequences for sugar beet as well as for all agriculture. For an adequate and effective irrigation, the soil moisture level should be monitored at a depth of 0–90 cm and the amount of 600–700 mm of water that is needed and cannot be met by precipitation should be given with irrigation at least 75–80% of the field capacity in each irrigation. Planning the techniques to be applied in agricultural production according to the needs of the plant in sugar beet, as in other crops, is an important issue that ensures an increase in production and quality.