Sugar beet on alkaline soils of Rivne region: increasing yield potential

Sugar beet cultivation in the Rivne region has recently faced a serious challenge – increasing the soil pH level to 7.9–8.1. Under such conditions, even with the presence of fertilizers in the soil, the plant “starves” because most of the elements are converted into an inaccessible form.

High pH is a “stop valve” for the crop

When the pH is above 7.5, phosphorus is bound by calcium, and trace elements (boron, manganese, zinc) become almost impossible for the root system to absorb. In practice, this means that you are applying expensive fertilizers, but the plant simply does not see them.

Comparison table: Soil indicators vs Optimum

How to neutralize negative factors

To obtain a stable result on such soils, it is necessary to act systematically. The main task is to locally lower the pH in the root zone and activate the microbiota.

1. Physiologically acidic fertilizers. Using ammonium sulfate instead of nitrate helps to slightly “acidify” the environment around the root.
2. Organo-mineral correction. Applying complexes such as GREENODIN BROWN (200 kg/ha) works as a buffer. It not only supplies nitrogen and phosphorus, but also retains moisture, which is critically important for the Rivne region in the dry months of June-August.
3. Microelement “landing”. Foliar feeding with boron and zinc in the 4-6 and 8-10 leaf phase is mandatory, since beets will not extract them from alkaline soil.

Working with moisture deficiency

Sugar beet requires 600-700 mm of precipitation per year. With a low humus content (as in our case – up to 2.4%), the soil quickly loses water. The use of silicon-containing preparations and organic matter allows the plant to more easily tolerate temperature stresses and use morning dew more effectively.