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Time of application and chemical form of potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and sodium fertilizers and effects on the growth, yield and quality of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

M. F. Allison
Affiliation:
Broom's Barn Experimental Station, Higham, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP28 6NP, UK
K. W. Jaggard
Affiliation:
Broom's Barn Experimental Station, Higham, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP28 6NP, UK
M. J. Armstrong
Affiliation:
British Sugar plc, Holmewood Hall, Holme, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE7 3PG, UK

Summary

Summary Between 1985 and 1988, 14 field experiments at different sites in the UK assessed the effect of applying P, K, Na and Mg in autumn, early spring, late spring or as a split application in both autumn and late spring on the growth, yield and processing quality of sugarbeet. Supplementary experiments compared Kaynitro and Chilean nitrate of soda. None of the treatments had any effect on plant population densities, and any differences in sugar yield could be explained by the leaching of Na. The effects on processing quality were inconsistent and unlikely to be of agronomic or economic significance. Generally, Kaynitro and Chilean nitrate of soda performed no better than the other fertilizers so it is unlikely that their extra cost would be justified. Apart from Na, the timing of nutrient application appeared to be unimportant, even on soils of low fertility. However, Na, being very mobile, was best applied in spring.

Type
Crops and Soils
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994

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