CSU fact sheet on sugar beet fertilizer requirements.
- Nitrogen is the most limiting nutrient for sugar beet production. Proper N management during the season is critical.
- Apply nitrogen fertilizers at rates based on expected crop yields, minus credits for residual soil nitrates in the top 4 feet of soil and nitrogen mineralized from soil organic matter.
- Do not apply manure to fields prior to planting sugar beets.
- Apply phosphate fertilizers at rates based on soil test results.
- Most Colorado soils contain sufficient available potassium, sulfur, and micronutrients for sugar beet production.