Organic and inorganic fertilization influenced on yield and quality of sugar beet genotypes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on yield and quality of sugar beet genotypes (Beta vulgaris L.). Therefore a field trial was carried out at New Developmental Farm of The University Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during winter 2012–13. The field experiment was layout in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement having three replications. Fertilizers treatments (control, higo organic plus (composted manure, it contains N 2%, P 3%, K 3%, organic matter 40%, organic carbon 11%, Zn 145 mg kg–1, Cu 56 mg kg–1, Fe 380 mg kg–1 and Mg 228 mg kg–1), maxicrop sea gold (extract of sea weeds i.e., Sargasssum, Laminara Polysaccharide and Ascophyllum Nodosum), farm yard manure, NP (90: 60 kg ha–1), NP (120: 90 kg ha–1) and NP (150: 120 kg ha–1) were allotted to main plots while genotypes (Sandrina, Serenada and Kawe Terma) to the sub plots. Farm yard manure (10 t ha–1) and higo organic Plus (5 t ha–1) was incorporated in the soil before seed bed preparation. Maxicrop sea gold (5 lit ha–1) was sprayed after the emergence of the crop. All phosphorus was applied @ of 60, 90 and 120 kg ha–1 at the time of sowing while nitrogen @ of 90, 120 and 150 kg ha–1 in two splits/3 of the dose was applied at the time of sowing while the remaing 1/3 of the dose was applied before earthen up. Plots treated with application of NP ratio 120: 90 kg ha–1 produced maximum beet yield (76.4 t ha–1), sugar yield (11.1 t ha–1), Pol (polarizable sugar) percentage (14.67%) and more economic return (Rs.234 Thousand ha–1) as compared to control plots. Sugar beet genotype Serenada had significantly produced maximum beet yield (55.5 t ha–1), sugar yield (7.9 t ha–1), pol (polarizable sugar) percentage (14.60%), brix percentage (14.60%) and more economic return (158) as compared to other genotypes. It was concluded from the above results that sugar beet genotype Serenada treated with NP ratio 120: 90 kg ha–1 for improved sugar beet productivity and quality therefore it is recommended for general practice in agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar valley.