20 interesting facts about sugar beet

Wikifarmer

Editorial team

2 min read
30/10/2024
20 interesting facts about sugar beet
  1. Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) is a member of the Amaranthaceae family and is related to spinach and chard. 
  2. Sugar beet is mainly cultivated for sugar production, contributing approximately 20% of the world's total sugar supply.
  3. Sugar beet is believed to have originated in Asia and has spread across many regions, particularly those with temperate climates.
  4. It was first cultivated in Europe in the 18th century as a sugar source.
  5. Sugar beet is a biennial crop, meaning it takes two years to complete its life cycle, but it is harvested in the first year for sugar production.
  6. The crop is grown in various climates, including regions with rainfed and irrigated conditions, and it is well known for its ability to tolerate saline and alkaline soils.
  7. Depending on the climate and conditions, sugar beet has a relatively long growing period, typically between 140 and 200 days.
  8. In sugar beet, sugar production begins in the leaves, where sugars are created through photosynthesis. As the plant matures, these sugars are transported and stored in the roots, which are the part of the plant harvested and used for sugar production.
  9. The sugar concentration in the roots is influenced by climate, water supply, and soil nitrogen levels. It is typically greater than 15% of their fresh weight.
  10. Sugar beets grow best in medium—to slightly heavy-textured, well-drained soils, as compacted soils can limit root development and lower yields.
  11. Sugar beet requires deep, well-prepared seedbeds. To ensure optimal spacing, the seeds are typically planted 1 to 2 cm (0.39 to 0.79 inches) in single or double rows.
  12. A typical sugar beet plant population in commercial production ranges between 40,000 and 100,000 plants per hectare (approximately 16,187 and 40,469 plants per acre), with plant thinning necessary to ensure proper spacing for growth.
  13. The roots are white, and they contain up to 18-20% sugar.
  14. Major sugar beet producers include Russia, the United States, Germany, and France.
  15. The average sugar beet weighs between 1 to 2 kilograms (2.2 to 4.4 pounds).
  16. Sugar beet pulp, a byproduct of processing, is used as animal feed.
  17. After harvesting, sugar beets must be processed quickly to avoid sugar loss.
  18. One ton of sugar beet can yield around 150 kilograms (330 pounds) of sugar.
  19. The sugar beet industry supports renewable energy production through beet residue.
  20. Rotating sugar beets with other crops like cereals helps maintain soil fertility.

References:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/221958363_Sugar_Beet_as_an_Energy_Crop