Seedbed Preparation

Importance of Seedbed Preparation

Preparation of the seedbed is extremely important in establishing a sugarbeet crop. The seedbed provides a basis upon which many other management decisions are made. It is also a variable factor that is difficult to control in many sugarbeet growing areas.

A properly formed seedbed will have adequate surface and subsoil moisture and be uniformly firm to allow planting of the seed.  

In some areas, fall plowing and bedding or ridging up enable an early start in the spring by conserving soil moisture. In other areas, minimum tillage or spring working of the soil is necessary to prevent soil erosion. Minimum tillage and use of cover crops may be necessary where soil erosion is severe.

Influence on Germination & Growth

Stand establishment, germination and growth, involves many different operations including seedbed preparation; drill performance and maintenance; amount of seed planted; methods of stand adjustment; use of pre-plant, post and layby herbicides; use of systemic insecticides and use of natural moisture or irrigation for germination.

• Plan ahead to determine the seed spacing at planting and how it will affect the method of plant population reduction.
• If you are planting to stand, plan for two(2) plants per foot, and plant no more than three(3) seeds per foot on 22- and 24-inch rows. For 30-inch rows, 3 to 4 seeds per foot may be needed, depending on conditions at planting time.
• If you are thinning mechanically, plant no more than four (4) seeds per foot to avoid bunches and doubles.
• If you are using hand labor, use a 5-inch how on 22- and 24-inch rows and a 4-inch hoe on 30-inch rows.
• Usually, you can count on only 60 percent emergency due to wind, crust information, drought and disease.