FODDER BEET

The yield potential of fodder beet is greater than that of any other forage crop grown in the United Kingdom. Crop yields of up to 40t/ac coupled with high dry matters (18-23%) can push yields up to 9t DM/acre, a high energy and dry matter yield, a valuable source of home-grown feed. Before growing fodder beet have a plan as to how you are going to use it on your farm or how and when your customers are going to require it.

Growing Guide

Select high dry matter varieties – Enermax, Gerty and Magnum have proven to be successful varieties for local conditions producing high dry matter yields per acre. They produce consistently sized beets that are easily harvested and offer good long-term storage potential. Some tend to sit lower in the ground and can be quite dirty so will need washed and chopped prior to feeding.

Suitable soil and optimum pH

Best grown on flat light to medium free-draining soil with pH 6.87.0, that is free from compaction and capable of carrying heavy harvesting machinery in the autumn.

How to sow

Aim to drill 40-50,000 seeds per acre – seed is packed in 50,000 or 100,000 seed packs which will cover between 1.25 -2.5 acres depending on drill settings and pack size. Roll after drilling where possible to conserve moisture and obtain good soil to seed contact to encourage germination.

Management

Attention to detail with weed control is critical, after drilling weeds will need to be controlled by pre and post-emergence herbicides offering a mix of contact and residual chemistry for grass and broad-leaved weeds. Start the programme when weeds are small, just as they are germinating and barely visible. Sodium and boron are required to maximise beet yield and quality. Sodium can be applied as agricultural salt while boron can be applied in the fertiliser and topped up with foliar applications. Foliar applications of boron are essential to reduce the risk of internal blackening and rotting known as hollow heart. The crop will also benefit from applications of magnesium and manganese to keep the canopy green and optimise yield potential.

HIGH PERFORMANCE FERTILISERS FOR GRASS & TILLAGE FARMS

OPTIMISE YOUR YIELD POTENTIAL WITH NITROFERT & ACHIEVE NUTRIENT RICH, PRODUCTIVE, HEALTHY SOILS www.nitrofert.ie

Nitro-Guard - a granular urea range protected by Limus which is the most effective urease inhibitor on the market.

For more details on our products contact your local Fane Valley branch or advisor.

HOW DOES IT WORK

• Very fast response on grass

• Available with sulphur

• Easy to spread

• Efficient & effective

• Excellent value

Due to the smaller grain size, DairySelect gets closer to each grass plant & dissolves quicker into the soil. This means nutrients get to the plant faster as plant roots don’t have to travel as far to find them, leading to a much faster growth response in swards