Dynamics of sugar accumulation in sugar beets in intensive production technologies in Voronezh region

This project involves supplementary research to the IPNI project on improving recommendations for potash fertilizer use and adjusting currently used soil K test interpretation classes in intensive cropping systems. The project goals are to: 1) study the dynamics of sugar accumulation in sugar beets at different stages of crop growth and different K application rates, and 2) determine the best timing for sugar beet harvest. The project includes short-term field experiments conducted on a large industrial farm located in Voronezhskaya oblast, Central Russia region. The trials were established on Chernozem soils with medium and “increased” (higher than medium) content of routinely extracted K. The following six treatments were studied: 1) control, no fertilizers, 2) 24-104 kg N-P₂O₅/ha (farmer practice), 3) NP+K₂O (70 kg/ha), 4) NP+K₂O (140 kg/ha), 5) NP+K₂O (210 kg/ha), 6) NP+K₂O(280 kg/ha).

During the growing season, the sugar content in beets was measured at four different stages of growth (July 7, Aug 3, Aug 19, and Sept 6). Results showed that K fertilization could significantly effect the content of sugar in beets. The maximum accumulation of sugars (17.5%) took place in the beginning of September in the treatment with NP+K₂O (280 kg/ha). In comparison with the current farmers practice it was additional 1% of sugar in beets.

The obtained results confirmed that the best time to harvest sugar beets in this region is the beginning of September.