Economical Crop Production and Management of Sugar Beet in Serbia and Montenegro

Abstract

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is a member of family Chenopodiaceae. It is a crop of area of temperate climate and second of world importance sugar crop, after sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.). It is mainly produced in Europe and to a lesser extent in Asia and North America. Sugar beet quality is a complex trait conditioned by genetic divergence among cultivars and environmental diverse in the region of growing. One of pertinent agro-technical measures is sowing. Proper sowing (which is during March in the Republic of Serbia and Montenegro) ensures optimal crop density which is important for reaching a high yield. The correct choice of assortment for a certain production area contributes to a larger and more stable production of cultivated plants. A significant measure of growing technology is properly balanced plant nutrients. NPK mineral nutrients are the main carriers of yield value. Sugar beet yields are significantly reduced by lack of soil nutrients. The main nutrient elements—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—have major importance in plant nutrition and the greatest impact on increased technological and yield value of root. Ratio of mentioned nutrients and also the secondary and microelements should suit to the needs of plants and to the natural soil fertility. Yield of crystal sugar, as major production value indicator, has statistically very significant dependence of way of plant nutrition, years, genotype, and their mutual interaction. Intensification of plants nutrition with NPK fertilizers significantly increases the total vegetative biomass yield and root sugar content.