Sugar Beet

Sugar beets (Beta vulgaris) are primarily cultivated for their high sugar content, but they also provide a valuable food source for wildlife, particularly during the fall and winter months. The roots are high in carbohydrates and sugars, making them highly attractive to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and small mammals. The tops of the beets are also consumed by wildlife, especially when the roots are dug up or harvested.

Benefits for Wildlife

✔ High-energy food – The root's sugar content makes it a rich, high-energy food source, especially valuable for deer and small mammals in colder months.
✔ Winter food source – Sugar beets remain accessible in winter, providing food after other forage has been consumed or becomes less available.
✔ Tops for wildlife – The greens (leaves) are nutritious and often consumed by small mammals, deer, and even wild birds.

Planting Guidelines for Sugar Beets

• Planting Times:

  • Best planted in early spring to late spring (April to May) after the risk of frost has passed and soil temperatures are around 50–60°F.

• Seeding Depth:

  • 1–1.5 inches deep is optimal for sugar beet seeds, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact for germination.

• Seeding Rates:

  • Drilled: 5–8 lbs per acre is typical for a successful stand.
  • Broadcast: 8–12 lbs per acre, with light raking or soil incorporation.

• Days to Maturity:

  • Sugar beets take 90–150 days to mature, depending on the variety and environmental conditions.

• Height at Maturity:

  • The plants generally grow to around 12–24 inches tall, with some varieties reaching up to 30 inches.

• Drought Tolerance:

  • Moderate to high – Sugar beets can withstand drought once established, but they perform best with consistent moisture during root development.

• Saturated Soil Tolerance:

  • Low – Sugar beets do not tolerate waterlogged soils and prefer well-drained ground.

• Shade Tolerance:

  • Low – Sugar beets require full sun for optimal growth and development.

Fertilization Guidelines for Sugar Beets

• Soil pH:

  • Ideal pH for sugar beets is 6.0 to 7.5, with slightly alkaline soils being more suitable for optimal sugar production.

• Fertilizer Needs:

  • Sugar beets are heavy nutrient feeders. The most important nutrients include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A soil test is recommended to determine the exact needs.
  • Pre-plant Fertilization: Apply 30–50 lbs of nitrogen per acre, along with phosphorus and potassium as recommended by soil tests.
  • Side-dressing: Consider additional nitrogen application during the growing season, especially for high-yield varieties.

Timing:

• Fertilizer should be applied before planting, and side-dressing can be done during the growing season to encourage vigorous root development.

Herbicide Use for Sugar Beets

• Weed Control:

  • Weed management is essential to avoid competition for nutrients, particularly in the early stages of growth.
  • Pre-emergence herbicides, such as trifluralin, can be used to control weeds before the beets emerge.

• Post-emergence Herbicides:

  • Post-emergence herbicides, like betazon or ethofumesate, are effective for controlling broadleaf and grassy weeds after the beets have emerged.

• Caution:

  • Always follow manufacturer guidelines for herbicide use as some chemicals can be harmful to the crop. Sugar beets are sensitive to herbicides that are not specifically labeled for use with beets.