Joseph F. Giles, Norman R. Cattanach and Allan Cattanach
Associate Professor, Research Specialist Department of Soil Science, North
Dakota State University and Extension Sugarbeet Specialist, North Dakota State
University-University of Minnesota
Fargo, North Dakota
The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of potassium thiosulfate (KTS) starter on sugarbeet germination and production. Additionally, the influence of accepted nitrogen-phosphorus starter fertilizer material combined with KTS was to be evaluated.
Steady stream nozzles were mounted to direct the fertilizer solution between the disc openers of a John Deere Maximerge II planter. The solution was placed directly in contact with the sugarbeet seed in the soil during planting. Ammonium polyphosphate (10-34-0) and KTS (K2 S2 O3) were applied separately and in combination at 3 and 1, 2, 4 and 8 gal/acre, respectively. Each treatment was replicated six times. The native soil test phosphorus level in the upper 6 inches was 56 lb/acre.
The variety 'Maribo 403' was planted on May 7, 1992 in a Glyndon silt loam (Coarse-silty, frigid Aeric Calciaquoll) near Amenia, North Dakota. Seed was placed 1.25 inches deep with a 3 inch spacing. Counter 15G at a rate of 11.9lb/acre was applied in 3-inch bands over the planted seed. A 22 inch row spacing was used. Ro-Neet at 3 lb/acre and Antor at 3 lb/acre were applied and incorporated just prior to planting. (Post emergence herbicides) Labor was used once to control most weed escapes. Two row crop cultivations were also done. Sugarbeet populations were counted on May 21 and June 5. Stands were hand thinned to a 9 inch spacing on June 15.
The plots were harvested on September 23. The middle two rows of each 6 row plot were harvested. Yield determinations were made and quality analysis performed at American Crystal Sugar Quality Tare Lab, East Grand Forks, MN.
The application of KTS significantly reduced sugarbeet populations prior to hand thinning. The lowest rate of KTS had no decreasing effect on harvest populations regardless of whether it was combined with 10-34-0. Root and recoverable sugar yields were decreased significantly with the application of either starter fertilizer material. Additional decreases resulted with increasing amounts of KTS. The presence of 3 gallons of 10-34-0 with increasing amounts of KTS resulted in smaller decreases in plant populations, and root and recoverable sugar yields than where KTS was applied alone.
Since the native soil phosphorus test level was high at this location, a positive response to the application of starter phosphate fertilizer was not expected. However, the application of an acid solution fertilizer, such as 1034-0 would be expected to decrease the toxicity of an alkaline solution such as KTS. The results of this study suggest this neutralization occurs to some extent, but that the application of either of these solutions, alone or in combination, applied directly with the need during planting is detrimental in sugarbeet production.
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Appreciation is expressed to Kerley Chemical for supplying the fertilizer solutions and financial assistance and the Sugarbeet Research and Education Board of Minnesota and North Dakota for grant funds.
1992 Sugarbeet Research and Extension Reports. Volume 23, pages 216-217.
