Irrigation

• Tropical sugarbeet is very sensitive to water stagnation in soil at all stages of crop growth.
• Irrigation should be based on soil type and climatic condition.
• Pre-sowing irrigation is essential since at the time of sowing, sufficient soil moisture is must for proper irrigation.
• First irrigation is crucial for the early establishment of the crop.
• For loose textured sandy loam soil irrigation once in 5 to 7 days and for heavy textured clay loam soil once in 8 – 10 days is recommended.
• The irrigation has to be stopped at least 2 to 3 weeks before harvest.
• At the time of harvest if the soil is too dry and hard it is necessary to give pre harvest irrigation for easy harvest.
• Light and frequent irrigation is recommended for maintaining optimum soil moisture.
• Water requirement 800 - 850 mm.

Water management

• Optimum EC up to 1 ds/m
• It can be grown in water containing EC 1 to 2 ds/m
• Irrigation schedule: Life irrigation on 3rd day
• For vegetative stage(up to 45 DAS) - 4 irrigation, vegetative to tuber initiation (75 DAS) - 4 irrigation, tuber maturation(up to 125 DAS) - 4 irrigation and Maturity - 2 irrigation – up to 15-20 DAS maintain optimum soil moisture for good germination and population.
• Drip fertigation with 100 % recommended dose of Fertilizer 150:75:75 Kg NPK ha-1 found to be better for tropical sugarbeet.