Noteworthy: A productive and economical trial shows the potential of fodder beet in contrasting environments

In the present year, the CREA Southwest region conducted a pioneering trial on fodder beet to evaluate the potential and economic viability of this resource in the livestock systems of the area. In two contrasting environments in the localities of Ventania and Gral. Lamadrid, the Josina Smart KWS sugar beet variety was sown with a target planting density of 105,000 to 110,000 plants/ha and a row spacing of 0.52 meters. In the Ventania site, growth was significant and sustained during the spring and early summer thanks to the good rainfall that occurred in November (146 millimeters). However, the lack of water recharge in January and February, along with high atmospheric demand, limited growth until autumn. On the other hand, these conditions favored the appearance of isocas and spider mites, which generated some additional losses in the aerial biomass of the crop. The second peak was recorded towards the end of autumn, following the March rains and the occurrence of moderate ...