Changing Strategies in Western Sugarbeet Nitrogen Recommendations

Sugar beet root in ground, cultivated crop in the field.

Nitrogen (N) management is critical in sugarbeet production to optimize yield, profit and quality. Sugarbeet varieties and management have changed dramatically in recent decades resulting in greatly increased yields and better nitrogen utilization.

Recent evaluations of historical sugarbeet nitrogen studies in Idaho indicate changes in N-rate strategies may be in order. Traditional strategies were based on yield goals. Evidence from these evaluations suggests that following the past recommendations under current yield levels will likely oversupply N, which reduces sugarbeet quality and grower profits. Examination of existing research indicates that newer higher-yielding varieties maintain high yields and better quality with a “static”, or fixed, N rate that is independent of yield goal and is lower than may be currently used by growers. The research shows that static N rates indicated from these studies are less than 180 lbs N/acre on medium and fine-textured soils and less than 200 lbs N/acre on sandy soils.

Growers using better N and irrigation management can likely reduce rates even further and realize even greater profits. Based on the evaluations, a regional project has begun to determine if a static N management approach is more broadly appropriate and formulate revised sugarbeet N recommendations.