| A good plant stand is the
first and often defining step in the success of a sugarbeet
crop. If the plant population is too low or "gappy",
crop yield is limited from the beginning. Doing everything
else right from this point on cannot overcome a bad stand.
Although it may not be possible to guarantee a perfect stand
of sugarbeets, good planning will greatly increase the
likelihood of having an acceptable stand and high yields.
Here are some of the issues to consider:
Realistic Targets - Most research data and experience in
our growing area suggests an established plant population at
the four true leaf stage of 35,000 plants per acre will
provide maximum sugar yield. If we are planting to stand, we
need to make a good estimate of anticipated percent
emergence to correctly set our planter for seed spacing.
Average field emergence in our area is about 65 percent.
Rarely does emergence exceed 85 percent and unfavorable
weather and soil conditions can cause emergence to be less
than 45 percent. Based on a target of 35,000 established
plants per acre and 65 percent emergence, that means an
average seed spacing of about 4 inches for 30 inch rows, or
about 5 1/4 inches for 22 inch rows, for plant to stand for
"average" conditions. Each grower's experience
with a specific production system and specific fields might
suggest adjustment of these average seed spacing targets.
There are a number of other issues that occur during
planting and emerge that often influence the outcome. Some
of these issues are beyond the grower's control, but we can
influence the outcome for many.
Good Quality Seed - Data from the University of Nebraska
Sugarbeet Variety Trials show that percent emergence can
vary by as much as 25 percent among different varieties in
the same field planted with the same planter in the same
soil conditions. Part of this variation is due to genetic
differences and part is due to quality of seed production
and processing. Learn as much as you can about the potential
emergence of the particular seed varieties and seed lots you
are planting.
Seedbed Condition - A good seedbed for sugarbeet planting
will have minimum soil clods at seed depth for maximum
seed-to-soil contact, will be firm but not compacted, and
will conserve and preserve soil moisture. The grower has
control over most seedbed conditions.
Planting Operation - With few exceptions, sugarbeet seed
should be planted between 3/4 and 1 1/4 inches deep. The
planter operator should adjust this depth depending on
seedbed condition, soil type, and existing and anticipated
soil moisture. The depth must be consistent across the
field. Planter press wheels should provide good soil firming
for effective seed-to-soil contact.
Irrigate for Emergence - Even with the best planning and
execution of seedbed preparation, weather conditions may not
facilitate adequate soil moisture. For high emergence there
must be good soil moisture at seed depth, 24 hours a day,
from planting until emergence is complete. Irrigation, with
the proper timing and amount, can be necessary in certain
situations, and will almost always provide a substantial
improvement in emergence.
Minimize Nitrogen and Pesticides in the Soil - Data
suggests that nitrogen fertilizer in excess of 30 lb/A
applied prior to emergence can reduce emergence. Data also
shows that most herbicides and insecticides applied to the
soil prior to emergence can reduce emergence. Rates and
placement of fertilizer and pesticides, and soil and weather
conditions will influence the magnitude of reduction of
emergence.
Disease and Insect Pests - Seedling diseases such as
Rhizoctonia and Aphanomyces, and insects such as wireworms
and cutworms can occasionally reduce stand between seed
germination and the four true leaf plant stage. Knowing your
field history and observing soil and weather conditions can
minimize these pests.
Wind Erosion - Emerging sugarbeet seedlings are very
vulnerable to blowing soil. Stands can be reduced in a
matter of minutes. Prevention is far better than trying to
stop the soil movement once it begins. Provide clods,
ridges, previous crop residue, or cover crops between
sugarbeet rows.
Monitor the Weather - Weather forecasts are not perfect
but attention to both short term and long term weather
predictions can improve likelihood of a good stand. For
example, long term forecasts for severe freeze, may suggest
delayed planting to avoid emerged plants during the freeze
period. Short term forecasts for hot, dry weather
immediately after planting should suggest planning for
irrigation before the soil becomes too dry.
There are few guarantees with sugarbeet stand
establishment but anticipation and good planning will
improve the outcome. |