Measurement techniques and yield estimates of fodder beet in Canterbury and Southland

Abstract

A survey of commercial fodder beet crops across Canterbury and Southland was undertaken to determine average yields and to provide some basic information on commercial crops. Commercial yields were approximately 19 t DM/ha but higher yields (34 t DM/ha) were achievable. Dry matter content (DM%) of bulbs was higher for lighter than for heavier bulbs. Variation in DM% between bulbs was greater than the variation between parts (inner and outer fractions) of the bulb suggesting a rapid method of sampling multiple bulbs may lead to increases in accuracy of DM% assessment. A rapid coring method was tested. Keywords: fodder beet, yield, survey, dry matter yield