Effect of Row Spacing and Nitrogen Rate on Root and Sucrose Yield of Sugarbeets in Southern Idaho

Carter, J.N. and Jensen, M.E. and Bosma, S.M. (1975) Effect of Row Spacing and Nitrogen Rate on Root and Sucrose Yield of Sugarbeets in Southern Idaho. Journal of the American Society of Sugar Beet Technologists. 18(3):274-279.

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Abstract

Research results at other locations in western U.S. indicate that a
plant spacing of approximately 12 inches within rows and 20 or 22
inches between rows is necessary to obtain near maximum yields of
sugarbeets (Beta vulgaris L.) and yet maintain adequate space for
machinery operation (4, 6, 10). Increasing row and plant spacings
with corresponding decreases in plant population have reduced root
and sucrose yields (1, 9, 11). Decreasing row and plant spacings with
consequent increases in plant populations may augment yields (5). The
optimum row spacing and plant population for maximum sucrose
production by varieties currently used by the Amalgamated Sugar
Company under a high fertility level, controlled irrigations, and the
climatic conditions of southern Idaho are unknown.

In southern Idaho, most sugarbeets are grown in 22- or 24-inch
rows with plants thinned to 9- to 12-inch spacings within the row. With
these plant spacings, the factory average beet root yield from 1966 to
1969 was 20.9 tons in southwestern, 18.3 in south central and 17.8 tons
in southeastern Idaho. Experimental plots and many farm fields during
the same period produced 5 to 8 tons more than the average when
stand, fertilizer, and irrigation water were optimized. A substantial
part of the lower average yield may be due to a poor plant stand at
maturity on farmers' sugarbeet fields rather than to fertility or irrigation
practices. Narrower rows at optimum fertility and irrigation levels,
while maintaining adequate space for modern farm machinery, may
improve average yields by increasing yield compensation (when frequent
skips occur) and by providing an earlier full leaf canopy.

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of plant
population, as varied by row width while maintaining a uniform
within-row stand, and N level on beet root and sucrose production
under the climatic conditions of southern Idaho.

Item Type:	Article
NWISRL Publication Number:	0322
Subjects:	Irrigated crops > Sugarbeet Mass Import - autoclassified (may be erroneous)
Depositing User:	Dan Stieneke
Date Deposited:	20 Nov 2010 21:51
Last Modified:	15 Feb 2017 21:32
Item ID:	282
URI:	https://eprints.nwisrl.ars.usda.gov/id/eprint/282