Nutrients management strategies to improve yield and quality of sugar beet in semi-arid regions.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the yield and quality of sugar beet genotypes (Beta vulgaris L.). Therefore, a field trial was carried out in Peshawar, Pakistan, during the winters in 2012–2013. The field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with split plots, having three replications. Fertilizer treatments (control, composted manure Higo Organic Plus at 5 t ha−1, Maxicrop Sea Gold seaweed extract at 5 L ha−1, farm yard manure at 10 t ha−1, inorganic nitrogen–phosphorus (NP) at 90:60 kg ha−1, NP at 120:90 kg ha−1 and NP at 150:120 kg ha−1) were allotted to main plots, while genotypes (Sandrina, Serenada and Kawe Terma) were allotted to the sub-plots. Plots treated with the application of NP at 120:90 kg ha−1 produced the highest beet yield (76.4 t ha−1) and sugar yield (11.1 t ha−1), and had the second highest polarizable sugar content (14.52%) and more economic return (Rs. 553,000 per hectare) as compared to control plots. Sugar beet genotype Serenada had significantly higher beet yield (55.5 t ha−1) and sugar yield (7.9 t ha−1) and a higher economic return (Rs. 380,000 per hectare) than the other genotypes. Sugar beet genotype Serenada supplied with NP at 120:90 kg ha−1is recommended for the general cultivation in the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]