Evaluate nitrogen rates, application timings and application methods for sugarbeets in Michigan

Abstract

of organic matter. The timing and method of nitrogen applications is as important as the nitrogen rate. Nitrogen fertilizer should be applied close the the planting date. Applying nitrogen after the six leaf stage will depress sugarbeet quality. Five nitrogen fertility trials were conducted from 2008 to 2010 comparing nitrogen rates, application timings and application methods. Information from three of the trials is not considered to be reliable due to field problems including sugarbeet cyst nematode infestations and soil crusting. Results from the two good quality trials are discussed in this paper. Research Objectives:The objectives of this research program are: 1) Evaluate nitrogen rates (50, 100 and 150 lbs nitrogen ai/A); 2) Evaluate application timings and methods including: a) Pre-plant incorporated (PPI); b) Starter (2x2) applied at planting (nitrogen applied two inches to the side of the row and two inches below the seed depth); and c) Side-dress nitrogen (SD) (applied at the 4 leaf stage with a fluted coulted applicator with stream jet nozzles following the coulters). Materials and Methods:These were small plot replicated trials. A Monosem six row planter modified for research was used to plant the trials. Sugarbeets were planted one inch deep. In 2008 the plots were planted thick and thinned to 180 beets per 100 foot of row at the four leaf stage. In 2010, beets were planted to stand at a four inch spacing and an average stand of 205 beets per 100 ft of row was achieved. The 2010 trial had a lot of corn residue left from the previous year. We were able to plant with row cleaners, however, ridges were formed between the rows at planting and the sugarbeet seeds were planted in a depression. The nitrogen treatments were applied as