Measuring Quality
The "quality" of the beets equals those properties which make the beet best suitable for the maximum sugar extraction. The most important of these properties are:
- Sugar Content
- Sugar Extractability
- Percentage of Tare
Sugar Content
The most important factor in the processing of beets into sugar is the percentage of sugar found in the beets. The sugar content fluctuates between 15 and 17 percent.
Factors that influence sugar content are:
- Growth disorders due to pests, diseases and weather conditions
- Weed competition reducing water availability and/or light
- Imbalance of fertilizers
- Excessive (nitrogen) fertilizing
- Seasonable influences
- Harvesting period
Sugar Extractability
Sugar extractability is a measure of the purity of the sugarbeet and involves two factors: the level of sucrose found in the root and the level of impurities found in the root. Both factors affect extraction of sucrose by the processor. Producing high quality sugarbeets is especially important to growers being paid on the extractable sucrose content of their beets.
Over-fertilization, particularly with nitrogen, can result in poor quality beets and reduced net returns. As stated in the fertilization topic, excess nitrogen has an adverse effect on quality, both sugar content and clear juice purity, and does not increase tons per acre. Proper management of controllable factors such as fertilization, soil nutrients, early planting, correct seed spacing, timely irrigation, and weed, disease and insect control all significantly contribute to achieving the greatest profit.
Percentage of Tare
Percentage of tare refers to the amount of soil delivered to sugar factories along with the harvested sugarbeets. When a high amount of soil is delivered to the factory and piling station, this increases the cost of handling and, consequently, increases the price of white sugar. Transportation of soil from beet fields can be minimized through better methods of cultivation, mechanization and plant breeding.
In Summary
The development of a good cultivation plan, with attention to every agronomic factor, will provide the foundation for a successful sugarbeet crop. Special attention to seed genetics and quality especially enhance such success. Holly Hybrids and Holly Sugar Corporation have been dedicated to providing growers high quality seed for 60 years. Grower efforts combined with Holly's dedication translate to a successful sugarbeet crop.
