engleski

Response of sugar beet to foliar fertilization with Epsom salt (MgSO4 . 7 H2O)

Foliar fertilization of sugar beet with Epsom salt (ESF), 5% MgSO4.7H2O solution (two times in June), resulted in increase of sucrose contents by 0.25 and 0.20% (averages of 13 cultivars and three field trials) in 1995 and 1996 growing season, respectively. Amino-N contents decreased only in 1996 (mean of 1.7 mmol N kg-1 root), while root and technological sugar yields were similar to the control (standard fertilization) in both years. Low root yields (mean 33.6 t ha-1) and sucrose contents (mean 12.4%) in 1995 were caused by drought and heat stresses at the stage of intensive growth of leaves (26 mm rainfall and an average air-temperature of 21.2 oC in the period of June 30 to August 9). Under the normal weather condition (90 mm and 19.7 oC) in 1996, these values were 52.1 t ha-1 and 15.1%, respectively. In general, weather conditions, soil properties and cultivars influenced yields and sugar beet quality more than ESF. We would recommend ESF as a practice of crop mamagement for sugar beet, especially under the conditions with moderate soil Mg and/or S supply.

Epsom salt; foliar fertilization; amino-N-nitrogen; sugar beet; sugar content

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