AG NOTES - ISSUE #466
Nitrogen Management for High On-Farm Profit

Nitrogen management has been a focus of American Crystal Sugar Company growers and the Agriculture Department for over 25 years. No other aspect of sugarbeet production has been evaluated more in university research. Most recent university recommendation changes were made in 2001. Keep in mind that these recommendations are of necessity for 750,000 acres of beets in seven factory districts in Minnesota and North Dakota. Growers, agriculturists and crop consultants must then work together to make minor adjustments to get N rates correct for every field sugarbeets are raised on.

Factors Influencing N Management:

1. Soil test values
2. Soil type
3. Planting Date
4. Harvest date
5. Soil organic matter and mineralization
6. Headlands versus rest of field
7. Variety selection, RSA vs. RST
8. Weather if you can predict it
9. Previous crop history for each field

The American Crystal Sugar Company grower practices database identifies the main soil series for each quarter section of the growing region. This allows us to track yield and quality versus nitrogen available to the crop versus soil type. Table 1 and 2 show this data for the period 2000-2004 for the two main soil types found in the Red River Valley. A summary of crop yield and quality versus available nitrogen for each soil group can be reviewed at www.crystalsugar.com in the Shareholder Information area. Keep in mind that soil type is just one of the factors influencing nitrogen management programs. Table 1 data indicates that lower N availability produces equal RSA to higher N rates. Consider using less N, saving fertilizer dollars and improving quality while maintaining yields on these lighter textured soils. Typical soils in this group would be Glyndon or Wheatville loams and similar ones. Don't make changes on the abnormal weather of 2004.

Table 1. Soils on Glacial Lake Plains (Loams-Silt Loams) 00-04

Crop production data for heavier soil types is shown in table 2. Its not uncommon to require 131-150 lbs/Acre total N to maximize yields on these soils and yet maintain very good crop quality. Soils typical of this group would be Fargo, Hegne, Ryan and Northcote. When adjusting N management try only 10 to 15 lb/Acre changes in any given year.

Table 2. Soils on Glacial Lake Plains (Heavy Clays) 2000-2004

More N Information:
For more information on fertilizing sugarbeets go to www.sbreb.org and look at numerous articles in the fertility management section of each report. The most recent university recommendation changes can be found on pages 174-177 of the 2001 Sugarbeet Research and Extension Reports.