Effects of single or split applications of nitrogen fertilizer to in situ sugar-beet seed plants in the spring of their second year's growth

Abstract

SummaryNine field experiments (1970–5) investigated the effects of single or split applications of nitrogen fertilizer in February, March, April and May to in situ sugar-beet seed plants in their second year's growth. All experiments were within commercial crops of existing multigerm and monogerm varieties grown on fertile, deep soils in south Lincolnshire, north Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire and on shallow limestone soils in the Cotswolds.Yield of seed averaged over years and sites ranged from 4·3 to 4·6 t/ha and so was not affected by nitrogen treatments, which also did not noticeably delay harvest. The usable proportion of seed from multigerm crops was 350–650 g/kg, and from monogerm ones 90–200 g/kg but neither was affected by nitrogen treatment. Application of nitrogen in May reduced laboratory germination by about 3% and seedling emergence in the field by about 5 seedlings per 100 fruits sown. The proportion of single seedlings fmonogermity') was not affected by nitrogen treatments, although it was affected by the monogerm or multigerm nature of the crop. An attempt to assess seed vigour was made by determining average seedling weight when grown in the field in the year following harvest, but results were inconsistent. Leaf petiole nitrate concentrations declined progressively throughout the season, but were increased by about a quarterin the month following nitrogen application. At all times they were large and probably not limiting growth. The test had no value for predicting nitrogen application rates or times.In practice it appears that the spring top dressing of nitrogen fertilizer should be made as a single application at the end of February or as soon as possible thereafter.