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Precision Nitrogen and Water Management for Optimized Sugar Beet Yield and Sugar Content
1O. S. Walsh, 2S. Shafian, 3E. Nambi, 3R. Lamichhane, 3E. Owusu Ansah, 3F. Bautista
1. University of Idaho
2. Virginia Tech
3. University of Idaho, Parma R&E Cent

Sugar beet (SB) production profitability is based on maximizing three parameters: beet yield, sucrose content, and sucrose recovery efficiency. Efficient nitrogen (N) and water management are key for successful SB production. Nitrogen deficits in the soil can reduce root and sugar yield. Overapplication of N can reduce sucrose content and increase nitrate impurities which lowers sucrose recovery. Application of N in excess of SB crop need leads to vigorous canopy growth, while compromising root development and sugar production. Excessive irrigation can increase SB root weight, but lower sugar content. Defining the optimum water and N fertilizer levels should be done on a regional basis, utilizing locally grown varieties and taking into account local management practices. Remote sensing is a promising tool for in-season N and water management and in-season prediction of SB yield and quality, which in turn can improve the economic returns to SB growers and processors. Crop sensors can accurately measure SB biomass production and top N content. Spectral indices are correlated with N rates applied to SB can be used for in-season prediction of SB yield and quality and to make N management decisions. The goal is to improve water and N use efficiency for agronomically, economically, and environmentally sustainable SB production by combining traditional and novel, state-of-the-art methodologies. The objectives are: 1) to analyze the effects of water and N fertilizer rates on yield and quality of SB, 2) to explore the potential of using ground- and aerial-based (UAVs) data for SB N and water content monitoring, 3) to access the feasibility of predicting SB root yield and recoverable sugar using hand-held and UAV-based sensors, and 4) to conduct extension outreach focused on water and nutrient management in SB, remote sensing, and UAV use for crop monitoring.

Keyword: sugar beets, unmanned aerial vehicles; crop sensors; irrigation, nitrogen.