Survey on sugar beet production technology – state and trends (1994–2010)

Since 1994, data on sugar beet production in Germany have been continuously collected in annual sugar beet cultivation surveys based on information given by the German sugar factories. Because of the long-term data set, many developments over the last years as well as short-term adaptations could be described.

Cereals, particularly winter wheat, are the main pre-crop before sugar beet (50%), nowadays followed by corn. Intercrops have been cultivated on 40% of the sugar beet area since the beginning of the survey. In soil cultivation, the use of reduced systems has increased. On more than 65% of the sugar beet area the soil is covered by intercrops or pre-crop residues. Since 2006, an increase in nitrogen-fertilization could be observed. On 50% of the sugar beet area, organic fertilizer is applied also. In general, the whole production process from sowing to harvesting is characterized by an increase in technical specialization. The work is often done jointly in cooperation of farmers, or by specialized contractors. Sugar beet are harvested mainly with six-row harvesters and beets are transported increasingly often with semi-trailer trucks.