Fodder beet yield unaffected by significant reductions in fertiliser - Research

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New research shows that it is possible to reduce traditional fertiliser recommendations for growing fodder beet – sometimes by significantly more than half the usual amount – with no effect on crop yield or quality.

Plant & Food Research, along with industry partners, recently completed a three-year study with the assistance of the Ministry for Primary Industries' (MPI's) Sustainable Farming Fund (now superseded by Sustainable Food & Fibre Futures) to determine the best way to grow fodder beet, a popular supplementary feed crop for livestock in New Zealand.

The researchers conducted a series of nitrogen, potassium and boron trials to establish whether standard management practices could be recommended for varying soil types and locations.

"Much of our information about the nutrient requirements of fodder beet came from European sugar beet guidelines – for example, recommending high rates of potassium to support high yield" said John de Ruiter, senior scientist at Plant & Food Research.

"However, in every trial we conducted across many New Zealand soil types we were able to lower the potassium applications to 100kg per hectare without yield loss when compared to the standard rate of 350kg per hectare."

The researchers also found the maximum plant response to nitrogen was achieved at 100kg per hectare – half the industry standard of 200kg per hectare.

"I was surprised that we could bring nitrogen fertiliser rates down that much" said de Ruiter.

"This means a reduction in the amount of nitrogen in the feed and a reduction in the amount of nitrogen returned to soil through excretion, which is a good result for the environment – and is also a big saving for farmers."

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Symptoms of boron deficiency (hollow bulbs) occur on some soil types. However trials with varying rates and timing of boron fertiliser didn't show any effects on yield or plant health.

"Basal applications of boron at sowing are still recommended to avoid any potential boron limitations" said de Ruiter.

The researchers also examined diseases in fodder beet crops.

"When fodder beet first regained popular use 15 years ago, the disease incidence was low, and there was great potential for fodder beet as a winter crop. But in recent seasons, the incidence of fungal and viral diseases have hit hard with a major reduction in paddock yields" said de Ruiter.

"While there's not much that can be done about viruses, some control of fungal diseases is possible" de Ruiter added.

"However, few chemicals for fungal control are registered for use in New Zealand.

"Experiments with timing and rates of fungicide application did not give conclusive results, so more work on the epidemiology and control of fodder beet diseases is needed."

Steve Penno, Director Investment Programmes at MPI, said it was essential to find out what works best in New Zealand, and not just rely on overseas experience.

"This research provides valuable and practical information for growing fodder beet in New Zealand – its recommendations for reduced fertiliser use are a win for the environment and will save farmers money, too."

A major outcome of the research project is the Fodder Beet Best Management Production Guide.

The guide will be available soon on the DairyNZ website or contact John de Ruiter (john.deruiter@plantandfood.co.nz) for a copy.