Cultivar specific nitrogen and potassium recommendations optimize yield and quality attributes in sugar beet

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Agronomy
• Plant Nutrition

Background:

• Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) yield and quality are influenced by nutrient availability.
• Optimizing nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilization is crucial for maximizing crop performance and economic returns.
• Cultivar-specific responses to nutrient management are not fully understood, necessitating targeted research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cultivar-specific responses of five sugar beet cultivars to varying nitrogen and potassium fertilization levels.
• To optimize sugar beet yield, quality attributes, and fertilizer use efficiency through tailored nutrient management.
• To determine the economic viability of different fertilization strategies for each cultivar.

Main Methods:

• A split-plot design experiment evaluated five sugar beet cultivars under nine N and K fertilization treatments over two growing seasons.
• Data on root yield, sucrose content, purity, and economic returns were collected and analyzed.
• Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering, and correlation analysis, were employed.

Main Results:

• Significant cultivar × treatment interactions were observed for all measured parameters.
• Root yield varied significantly, with the Shantala cultivar achieving the highest yield under specific N and K levels (T2).
• Optimal profitability was achieved with different treatments for different cultivars, highlighting the need for cultivar-specific N and K application rates.

Conclusions:

• Cultivar-specific nutrient management strategies are essential for optimizing sugar beet production efficiency and economic returns.
• Tailored N and K fertilization based on cultivar characteristics can enhance yield, quality, and profitability.
• Implementing these findings can lead to more sustainable agricultural practices by reducing excessive fertilization and its environmental impact.