Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1 Assistant Prof., Soil and Water Research Department, Kermanshah Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO
2 Assistant Prof.,, Soil and Water Research Department, Khorasan Razavi Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO
3 Researcher Expert of Soil and Water Research Department, Kermanshah Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO
Abstract
Introduction: In Iran, sugar beet is the second most prominent irrigated crop after forage corn and wheat, occasionally ranking third after sugarcane in specific years. This versatile plant not only serves as a primary source of sugar but also contains essential nutrients beneficial to human health. Its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions allows it to be cultivated across various regions of the country. Sugar beet production plays a significant role in Iran's agricultural sector, with recent data indicating an increase in production levels over the years. However, achieving optimal performance and desired product quality requires a precise understanding of the nutritional status of sugar beet. Therefore, awareness of its nutritional condition is crucial for enhancing both quantity and quality. soil tests based on critical levels can indicate the adequacy of nutrients, but in some cases, soil testing alone is insufficient to reveal nutrient deficiencies or nutritional imbalances soil tests based on critical level may indicate the adequacy of nutrients, but in some cases, soil testing alone cannot reveal nutrient deficiencies or nutritional imbalances. Under these conditions, plant analysis leads to better identification of deficiencies as well as understanding the concentration of elements and comparing them with reference concentrations to ensure optimal plant growth. One method for interpreting leaf analysis results is the use of compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND) method. The CND method offers an effective approach for assessing the nutritional status of sugar beet plants by analyzing nutrient composition in plant tissues against standard values. Its primary objective is to identify nutritional deficiencies, optimize fertilizer use, mitigate adverse environmental impacts from excessive fertilization, and boost crop yields. This research aims to evaluate and optimize the nutritional status of sugar beet over two agricultural years in Khorasan Razavi province using the CND method.
Materials and Methods The study was conducted over two agricultural years on sugar beet crops in Khorasan Razavi province, involving 30 fields one year and 31 fields the next with varying soil properties. After selecting the fields, prior to planting and fertilizing the sugar beet, a composite soil sample was taken from each field, covering an area of one hectare and a depth of 0-30 cm. The physical and chemical properties of these samples were measured in the laboratory. Leaf sampling was performed in both years to determine nutrient concentrations, approximately 90 to 120 days after planting, using young, healthy, fully developed leaves. After washing with distilled water, the leaf samples were dried in an oven at 70°C for 48 hours, ground with an electric grinder, and then nutrient concentrations were measured. In this study, the high-yielding group in sugar beet farms was identified using the CND method through mathematical and statistical analysis and the application of the cumulative function.
Findings: Soil analysis revealed a wide range of physical and chemical characteristics among the selected fields. The findings in this province revealed that 67 %, 52.5 %, 82 %, 62 %, 59 %, and 53 % of the fields were deficient in phosphorus, potassium, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper, respectively, with an average yield of 58.5 tons/ha across all fields. Based on the average CND indices, the most limiting nutrients in low-yielding fields for macro and micronutrients were identified as follows: K (44 %) > P (34 %) > N (10 %) and Cu (27 %) > Mn (22 %) > Fe (17 %) > Zn (15 %), respectively. The Nutritional Balance Index (NBI) for sugar beet farms in this province was calculated, indicating a relative imbalance among the nutrients absorbed by this plant.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that nutritional deficiencies are a primary factor contributing to low yields of sugar beet in this region. The results indicated that to enhance performance and improve the quality of sugar beet products, special attention should be given to the fertilization of potassium, phosphorus, copper, and manganese in these fields. The findings from the selected fields suggest differences in field management practices and suboptimal use of chemical and organic fertilizers. The results of this research can be applied to enhance yield and improve the quality of sugar beet crops. Additionally, the CND method can serve as an effective tool for interpreting soil and plant analysis in plant nutrition management at sugar beet fields.
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