Impact of seedbed density on sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) seed germination, yield and quality of roots

Abstract

The aim of pot experiments was to determine optimal values of sugar beet seedbed density in laboratory conditions and its influence on seed field germination, yield and quality of roots in field conditions. In a pot experiment sugar beet seeds were sown into the soil with different bulk densities of upper seedbed layer-from 0.8 to 1.4 Mg m3. In a field trial sugar beet seedbeds were compacted by Cambridge (CRB) and spur (SRB) rollers before and after (CRAand SRA) sowing. Plots of control treatment were not rolled (NR). According to the results of the pot experiment, the most rapid sugar beet seed germination was in the seedbeds of 1.0 Mg m~! soil bulk density. The optimal soil bulk density for final sugar beet seed germination was from 1.0 to 1.1 Mg m"3. Seed germination was 46 and 54% higher than in the soil of 0.8-0.9 Mg m3 density. After sowing soil rolling affected lower seedbed compaction level and higher moisture losses. Soil rolling by Cambridge roller after sowing (CRA) positively affected on sugar beet root yield and quality.