Sugar Beet Fertilizer Requirements

Nitrogen

• Soil testing determines the existing nitrogen content in the soil and prescribes how much additional nitrogen is necessary to achieve desired yields. For example, Colorado State University suggests 10 lbs. of available nitrogen per acre for each ton of anticipated yield. If you hope to harvest 20 tons per acre of sugar beets, the nitrogen needs to total 200 lbs. per acre. If soil testing determines the soil contains 50 lbs. per acre, an additional 150 lbs. per acre is required.

Phosphorus

• Plants use phosphorus to produce energy. This energy translates into the sugar content of the beet; high sugar contents increase the value of the crop. Use soil testing to determine the current level of phosphorus in the top 6 inches of the soil. Fields with extremely low phosphorus levels, less than seven parts per million, can be fertilized at a rate of about 100 lbs. per acre. If the phosphorus level is greater than 22 ppm, phosphorus fertilizer is not required.

Potassium

• Potassium does not have a large effect on sugar beet yields, and the macronutrient is not commonly added to soils. Soil tests showing less than 60 ppm of potassium may require additional fertilization at rates up to 80 lbs. per acre.

Trace Elements

• Trace elements of boron, calcium, zinc, sulfur and magnesium are also required. Of these, zinc is the most necessary. If soil tests for zinc indicate a deficiency, supplement the micronutrient with 2 lbs. per acre.