Nitrogen Use Efficiency for Optimal Fodder Beet Yield

Fodder beet has the potential to provide greater yields than any other forage crop grown in the UK. This yield potential directly translates to significant economic advantages for farmers. The volume of nutritious feed produced makes fodder beet one of the cheapest forages per kilogram of dry matter. Furthermore, its exceptional nutritional profile also positions it as one of the cheapest forages per mega joule of energy. This dual benefit—high yield and high energy content—makes it an attractive option for producers seeking to maximise output. However, it is not a crop where corners can be cut when establishing or growing. Any compromises in the growing process, such as inadequate soil preparation, insufficient nutrient management, or poor weed control, can significantly reduce yield and diminish the crop's economic advantages.

The results from a 2024 Our Farms project at Crickie Farm trialling primed seeds and a late season application of Nitrogen suggests that primed seed is a shrewd investment. The fodder beet grown from primed seed demonstrated a 35% increase in bulb yield compared to fodder beet grown from standard seed. This increase highlights the effectiveness of primed seeds in promoting early and vigorous growth, ultimately leading to a much higher final yield. The late application of Nitrogen also had a positive impact, contributing to an additional 10% in bulb yield and an 18% increase in leaf yield. This indicates that nitrogen, applied at a crucial stage in the plant's development, plays a vital role in enhancing both root and leaf production. The combined treatments of primed seed and nitrogen had a 40% yield benefit over the standard treatment.

This project will investigate whether applying Nitrogen in foliar form in the latter stages of Fodder beet growth can be more efficient than applying Nitrogen in prilled form. Specifically, it will explore how the method of nitrogen application influences nutrient uptake, yield, and overall nitrogen use efficiency. Traditional prilled nitrogen fertilisers are typically applied to the soil, where they are subject to losses that can reduce the amount of nitrogen available to the crop. Foliar application, on the other hand, delivers nitrogen directly to the plant leaves, potentially minimising these losses and improving the efficiency of nitrogen utilisation.

The project will also contribute to the Sustainable Land Management outcomes including:

• Resource efficiency
• Reduced GHG emissions
• Clean water