The effect of sheep manure on yield and quality in production of organic sugar beet

Abstract

This study was carried out in the Konya Experiment Station experimental plots of the Directorate of Sugar Research Institute of the Turkish Sugar Factories Corporation from 2005 to 2010, with first two years being the transition period, for the purpose of investigating the effect of manure on sugar beet yield and quality in production of organic sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.). Trials were organized into a randomized block design with 4 replications in the same plot. The experiments evaluated manure application, chemical fertilizer application and control (growing plants with no fertilizer). The study investigated sugar beet root yield, sugar concentration, white sugar concentration and white sugar yield. According to the 3 year experimental results, 69.8–83.3% of the white sugar in chemical fertilizer treatment achieved by sheep manure treatment. Despite some reduction in sugar beet yield values, it is evident that manure may be used effectively in the production of organic sugar beet in accordance with an organic production system.