Sugar beet production techniques in Germany: Results of the 1998 survey

Regular production technique surveys permit the early identification of tre nds as well as of regional particularities. Appropriate analysis also revea ls the great weight of the year-specific impact, particularly in respect of weeds, diseases and pests. Cost-saving and environmentally friendly cultural practices are increasingl y employed, especially in soil preparation, seed protection and fertilizer application. A greater differentiation is being observed in soil preparatio n. Straw mulch methods have gained importance. Thanks to improved seed prot ection, insecticidal soil treatments have gone out of fashion and spraying against aphids has also been sharply reduced. More farmers are switching to low rates in nitrogen fertilizer application. There is a continuing trend towards higher performance and interfarm organi zation in sowing, harvesting and transport, infield cleaner-loaders are now almost universally deployed. Targeted and threshold-based fertilizer application and plant protection pr actices, guided by analysis and monitoring systems for soils, plants and en vironment, an acquiring increasing prominence.