Constant nutrient supply until harvest

Sugar beets are grown in the majority of European countries. They prefer nutrient-rich, deep soils and a good water supply. Sowing takes place between mid-March and mid-April, when ground temperatures are usually still very low.

Since the soil is deprived of a great deal of nutrients during the first three to four months after sowing, the highest proportion of nutrients should be provided before sowing. On top of this is the fact that sugar beets prefer nitrogen in the form of nitrate. The nitrification speed of ammonium, however, depends on the temperature of the soil: the higher the temperature, the faster nitrogen is available to the plant via the soil. When the soil temperature increases from 20 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius, the reaction speed of the nitrification doubles. Regardless of the type of soil fertilisation, once the ground temperature has surpassed 20 degrees, the use of a sulphur fertiliser in the form of sulphate can be meaningful, firstly to increase nitrogen efficiency and secondly to prevent nitrate leaching into the groundwater.

ATTENTION! Do not use fertilisers containing nitrogen in the last third of the growth phase, since an excess of nitrogen and protein has a negative impact on sugar extraction. 

When should sugar beets be fertilised with SOLU K 52?

Regardless of the amount of potassium available after fertilising the soil, we recommend three rounds of fertilisation with SOLU K 52 via leaf application with the field sprayer:

• 10 kg/ha at a plant growth of 6 to 8 leaves
• 10 kg/ha at a plant growth of 10 to 12 leaves
• 10 kg/ha as soon as the entire ground surface is covered.

This approach with leaf application (per 30 kg SOLU K 52 / ha – equivalent to around 16 kg K2O and 13.5 kg SO3) showed an increase of over 10% in the yield and over 20% in the sugar content in Central European fields.

For an expected yield of 50 t/ha of beets, the soil is deprived of five times this amount in nutrients. It must be noted, however, that the total nutrient requirement must always be determined to ensure that the leaves do not exhibit deficiency symptoms and the sugar synthesis is able to take place efficiently.

With the leaf application of SOLU K 52, it is possible to obtain higher yields and an optimum sugar content.

Nutrient uptake/deprivation per 10 t beets, along with the average mean leaf values:

30 kg/ha leaf fertiliser in the form of SOLU K 52 is equivalent to 16 kg/ha K2O and 13.5 kg SO3.

How can SOLU K 52 positively affect the growth and crop yield of sugar beets?

Sulphur is a key factor in increasing nitrogen efficiency. Trials have shown that plants absorb nitrogen more efficiently when they are provided with sulphur via leaf application. What is more, the application is pH-neutral, meaning there is no soil acidification. However, considerable improvements in the quality and harvest are evident.

Plants require potassium for photosynthesis; it supports the activation of enzymes and the natural resistance of the  plants against pests, disease, frost and drought stress. During growth, guaranteeing an appropriate uptake of potassium can be a challenge. Targeted leaf fertilisation improves potassium absorption by the plant if its potassium needs are very high or if the intake of potassium via the roots is limited.