Reduction of experimental error in sugar beet field trials by seedbed preparation at right angles to subsequent seeding

The significance of seedbed preparation for the magnitude of experimental error was investigated in sugar beet field trials near Göttingen in 1998 and 1999. It was found that seedbed preparation at right angles to subsequent seeding produced significantly less variation in beet yield between neighbouring rows than seedbed preparation in the same direction. Technical measures to achieve a uniformly firm seedbed (twin tyres, twice-staggered drive over the field) also significantly reduced experimental error. There was little effect on variation in beet quality.