Growth and yield of sugar beet in relation to potassium and sodium supply

Potassium fertiliser increases yield of sugar beet on most soils in Britain and sodium fertiliser gives a larger increase, whilst decreasing response to potassium. Sugar beet given factorial dressings of these elements was sampled periodically to determine whether they increase yield by similar effects on growth. Three experiments were made at Broom' Barn on a calcareous loam in 1971–73 and the results suggest that the two elements affect growth similarly. Both increased leaf area early in the season, improved the root: top ratio and increased sugar percentage in fresh and dried roots, all factors contributing to increased sugar yield. Analysis of the roots during September to December showed that neither element affected their processing quality; although each element increased its own concentration in the root juice, it proportionately decreased the harmful α‐amino nitrogen concentration.