Sugarbeet Response to Irrigation Method and Polymer Placed in the Seed Furrow 1

Furrow or sprinkler irrigation is often used to enhance sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris) plant establishment, yet little information is available comparing the two methods. Furrow irrigation saturates the seedbed from the bottom up, leaving the soil surface undisturbed. Sprinkler irrigation saturates the seedbed from top down and contributes to the break down and consolidation of soil particles near the surface. Adding synthetic compounds, such as polyacrylamide, to the soil is a method being explored to enhance plant emergence by retaining soil water near the seed and/or reduce soil crusting. The objective of this study was to determine the most effective method(s) of irrigating sugarbeet to enhance emergence. Sugarbeet was planted at two sites in 2001, 2002 and 2003. Irrigation treatments were no irrigation, furrow irrigation and two levels of sprinkler irrigation (light and heavy) applied after planting. The effect of polyacrylamide added to the seed furrow at planting was examined. Polyacrylamide did not influence final sugarbeet emergence for any of the irrigation treatments. Emergence was greater with furrow irrigation than with no or light irrigation. Furrow irrigation also produced significantly greater sucrose yield, when compared to no, light, and heavy sprinkler irrigation treatments.