Dr. Olga Walsh, Research Associate Professor, Extension Specialist, Cropping Systems Agronomy, University of Idaho, Parma R&E Center
Dr. Sanaz Shafian, Assistant Professor, Precision Agriculture, University of Idaho (former)
1) To analyze the effects of water and N fertilizer rates on yield and quality of two sugar beet varieties,
2) To explore the potential of using ground- and aerial-based (UAVs) data for sugar beet nitrogen and water content monitoring,
3) To access the feasibility of predicting SB root yield and recoverable sugar using hand-held and UAV-based sensors, and
4) To conduct extension outreach focused on water and nutrient management in SB, remote sensing, and UAV use for crop monitoring.
Sugar beet (SB) production profitability is based on maximizing three parameters: beet yield, sucrose content, and sucrose recovery efficiency. Efficient nitrogen (N) and water management are key for successful SB production. Nitrogen deficits in the soil can reduce root and sugar yield. Overapplication of N can reduce sucrose content and increase nitrate impurities which lowers sucrose recovery. Application of N in excess of SB crop need leads to vigorous canopy growth, while compromising root development and sugar production.
Changes in SB varieties and management practices warrant re-evaluation of N management. The Amalgamated Sugar Company and the USDA-ARS found that in 60% of evaluated SB fields, application of N did not increase sucrose yield. This suggests that residual soil N from past applications and in-season N mineralization was adequate and indicates that growers could maximize sugar yield and save money by applying less N. Due to recommendation to have all N applied and plant-available by 4-6 leaves, it is imperative to determine the appropriate N application rates for N responsive fields early in the season. Appropriate irrigation amount and timing can optimize SB yields while minimizing disease pressure, water costs and N leaching. Excessive irrigation can increase SB root weight, but lower sugar content.
Dr. Sanaz Shafian, Assistant Professor, Precision Agriculture, University of Idaho (former)
OUTPUTS
UAV-Based NDVI Estimation of Sugarbeet Yield and Quality under Varied Nitrogen and Water Rates. 2023. Walsh OS, Nambi E, Shafian S, Jayawardena DM, Lamichhane R, Owusu Ansah E, and JR McClintick-Chess. Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment. doi: 10.1002/agg2.20337.
Estimation of Sugar Beet Yield and Quality with UAV-Based Sensors. 2022. Walsh OS, Shafian S, and JR McClintick-Chess. UI Extension Bulletin 1036.
Quick Facts: Idaho Sugarbeets. 2021. Walsh OS, Woodhall JW, Wenninger EJ, and AT Adjesiwor. UI Extension Bulletin 1003.
Southern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Sugar Beets. 2019. Walsh O.S., D. Tarkalson, A. Moore, G. Dean, D. Elison, J. Stark, O. Neher, and B. Brown. UI Extension Bulletin 935.
OBJECTIVES
1) To analyze the effects of water and N fertilizer rates on yield and quality of two sugar beet varieties,
2) To explore the potential of using ground- and aerial-based (UAVs) data for sugar beet nitrogen and water content monitoring,
3) To access the feasibility of predicting SB root yield and recoverable sugar using hand-held and UAV-based sensors, and
4) To conduct extension outreach focused on water and nutrient management in SB, remote sensing, and UAV use for crop monitoring.
Sugar beet (SB) production profitability is based on maximizing three parameters: beet yield, sucrose content, and sucrose recovery efficiency. Efficient nitrogen (N) and water management are key for successful SB production. Nitrogen deficits in the soil can reduce root and sugar yield. Overapplication of N can reduce sucrose content and increase nitrate impurities which lowers sucrose recovery. Application of N in excess of SB crop need leads to vigorous canopy growth, while compromising root development and sugar production.
Changes in SB varieties and management practices warrant re-evaluation of N management. The Amalgamated Sugar Company and the USDA-ARS found that in 60% of evaluated SB fields, application of N did not increase sucrose yield. This suggests that residual soil N from past applications and in-season N mineralization was adequate and indicates that growers could maximize sugar yield and save money by applying less N. Due to recommendation to have all N applied and plant-available by 4-6 leaves, it is imperative to determine the appropriate N application rates for N responsive fields early in the season. Appropriate irrigation amount and timing can optimize SB yields while minimizing disease pressure, water costs and N leaching. Excessive irrigation can increase SB root weight, but lower sugar content.
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