Effect of spacing and urea fertilizer on growth and yield of beet root

(beta vulgaris) at debre berhan Ethiopia

1. Introduction

Beet root (beta vulgaris) belongs to family chenopdiaceae. It is indigenous to Asia and Europe.
They were first used for food about before the third century although they had been grown for
thousands of years for medicinal purpose (N.Stepho, 2004).It is grown widely throughout the
world, especially France united state of America, Germany, Russia and Turkey. India is the
second beet root producing country after Germany (Hindu, 2013). Beet root production depends
on many factories such as the beet root varieties, type of soil, Climate and other farm
management practices. Beet root gives 28-30 ones per hectare in average (F.A Hellola, 2009).

In Ethiopia beet root is the major vegetable crop grown in the highlands with altitude 500-3000
m.a.s.l. however the most suitable regions located between 1100m and 2400m above sea level
(Girma Abera, 2008). The major beet root production areas in Ethiopia are located in Addis
Ababa, Bahir Dare, DebereZeit, Jimma, Bako and Dire Dewa (CSA, 2008). Although the
productivity of beet root has increased in the last few years in Ethiopia, it is still very low as
compared to other productive countries. The national average beet root productivity is estimated
to 1.2 tons/ha (CSA. 2014). The low productivity is attributed to a number of factors including
biotic (insects pest and diseases) a biotic (moisture, soil fertility, e.t.c), and agronomic practice
(Girma Abera, 2008).

Beet root is now popular salad vegetable and it is used as root vegetable leafy vegetable health
benefits source of dyes and traditional remedy (Alhwick, 1983). One can obtained good profit in
three to four month with proper vegetable crop management practices. Beet root can be grown
indoors and in containers, playhouse and Green house (D. drost, 2004).

Beet root is one of hardy and cool season vegetable crop grown in temprate region. It is biennial
crop growth as annual for its root. It produces green tops and a flesh swollen tap root during its
first grown season. The nutrient stored in the tap root is used to produce flower and seed in the
second season. The extensive root system develop from top root is used to generate to great
depth indicates drought resistant property of beet root.

Leaves are often ovate dark green or reddish. The rosette leaves develop in close spiral with the
oldest one the outside. The inflorescence is botanically a large spike (N.Stephen, 2004). There
are many good varieties through seed catalogs most grow well in different area. It includes
Detroit dark Re, Red Ace, Early wonder, Green leaf, and Golden (N. Stephen, 2004).

Beet root prefer fertile, well drained deep sandy soil rich in organic matter for best growth. Most
light soil is well suited for best production. Heavy soil need to a mended with plenty of compost
to allow good root development; however, hairiness and thick develop from tap root in the
compost. Before planting soil must be prepared in 2-4 inch of well composed organic matter.
The soil PH should 6-8 (D. drost J 2004).

Beet root can be planted from August to February in temperate and sub tropical region, from
May to September in tropical. Beet plant always grown from seed. Seed germinate best at 55-
750F and require 7-14 days to emerge. Temperature above 800F reduces germination. The seed
should be planted 1.5-3 cm deep maintain uniform and moist soil surface to ensure good plant
stand (W. Bithe, 2004). The seed beets should be spaced 20cm between plants in the raw with
rows 30cm a part. Moisture fluctuation can cause root cracking, slow leaf development, and
contribute to low yield. Beets require adequate amount of boron to develop properly. Boron
deficient plants are more susuptible to many common root diseases. But most beets grow rapidly
and are not susceptible to many production problem like insect and diseases Rotate plating is to
help control many diseases (D. drost and W. Bitne, 2004).

If the beet root gets good urea amount and proper space in row it gives good yield. Any cessation
in growth of beet root produce tough, woody roots with uneven color and inferior flavor since
excessive urea result in lush disease prone at the expense of root development (F.A Hellala. A.S
laalaba and A.M.Sattaa, 2009).

1.1.Statement of problem

There is no satisfactory research conducted on the production of beet root in Ethiopia, even if in
Africa (Fikru, 2004). As many researches indicate that there is research gap in cultivation
practices of beet root such as spacing, fertilizer rate and other practices. Because of these the
production and productivities of beet root low in Ethiopia even throughout the world. The main
cause for these problems is that absence of enough information on the beet root crop and this pit
all on these crop still has not been solved. There for these study focus on proper spacing and urea
fertilizer rate on the beet root practice in order to bring optimum yield and growth to contribute
information profit for less knowledgeable farmers about beet root practices.

1.2 Objective

To determine effect of spacing and urea fertilizer on growth and yield of beetroot production.

2 Literature review

2.1. The effect of plant spacing

Beet root grows best under cool condition almost all year round. If drainage is satisfactory,
almost any soil is suitable and somewhat tolerate alkaline soil except acidic. Acid soils are likely
to create nutrient deficiency problem and should be avoided. Beet root contain numerous fibrous
and storage root soon it germinate rapidly from the seed it beer fibrous root that are extended
root rapidly in to the soil for accumulation of water and nutrient and forms large roots for storing
sucrose at high concentration at the suit condition and also it bear quickly storage leaves, for the
efficient capture of sunlight. Storage root growth starts only when sugar needs for basic
metabolism, top growth and fibrous root development has been met. This commonly occurs
during early leaf development when the top have nearly reached maximum size for a given
environment once storage root growth has started the growth rate of the storage root is
determined primarily by the amount of surplus sugar produced by the tops and water as well as
nutrient absorbed by fibrous root. For these processes enough spacing in needed for both root
and leaves to reduce competition within and between root or leaf as well as other different
cultural practices like fertilizer application like nitrogen and phosphorus root dry weight of beet
root is increased at the wider the spacing it’s yield also decreased under closer spacing. Spacing
has effect on root fresh weight, and shoots dry. Shoot dry weight is greater under high nitrogen
level and wider spacing. Beet root sown at wider a part attained the greatest root dry weight
(M.E.Khoyali, Y.M, 2011).
The effects of population density are primary noted on percent harvestable beet root but no on
yield and harvest weight. Trends toward reduce length and width increasing density are also
noted suggesting that certain aspects of beet shape may manipulate by controlling population
density, Shape and size of globe shaped red beet genotype is determined largely by population
density and within raw spacing. The percentages of harvestable beet are higher in low density
planting followed by the medium density and the high density plating. Medium and high density
planting will yield beets of favored processing size at later harvest dates. Harvest weight also
decreased with the increasing density compared to medium density. Length, middle width, and
length width decreased with increasing density. The beets are greater length and width ((I.L
Goldman, 2011) result from lower density planted.

2.2. The effect of urea

The most important plant nutrients required by beet root is nitrogen. Phosphorus, potassium and
boron. Beet root requires a great deal of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but only small
quantity of Boron. N being the motor of pant growth, unbalanced excess in crop will decrease
quality and yield of crops particularly storage ability cited by mirrat, et al.2008.

N fertilizer has pronounced effect on the growth, physiological and chemical characteristics of
the yield and quality of beet root so that nitrogen fertilizer should be managed to produce high
root tonnase with high growth and yield. In increasing nitrogen application as soil fertilizer
increase in Lents diameter and weight of roots as well as root lop and root yield tonlhan on the
other hand root quality determination of beet i.e. sucrose % juice gritty and recoverable sugar
percentages are increased by increasing N rates. More over impurities in term of K. Na and a
amino nitrogen are increased by increasing N 2 level.

N is often the most limiting factor in crop production and there is no single characterizes
symptom that identifies N deficiency of beetroot; however, then foliage typically become light
green on appearance then yellow due to the disappearance of chlorophyll from the leaves.

This reduces photosynthesis and subsequently crop yield though application of fertilizer N
results in higher biomass yield. N is key factor in sucrose utilization and sugar content ration in
the storage root of beetroot when the plant is abundantly supplied with nitrogen, top growth is
favored over root growth perhaps because the raw materials for sugar utilization, N and sugar
meet in the young leaves however limited N supply it sugar utilization appears to be located
primarily in the root where sugar from the tops first primarily in the root where sugar from the
tops first meets the nitrate front the soil. This favors storage root growth N application increased
root fresh weight dry wisent of shoot, root, and green and dry beet root yields increase. Raising
N fertilize level from 40, 80, to 120 N/ha has resulted in higher shoot dry weight (m.e.khfali.et
al.20011). This increase are due to the increasing amount of metabolites synthesized by plants
due to the effect of N in enhancing photo synthesis and hence dry mater accumulation. This leads
to more growth and consequently accumulation at more photo synthesis assimilates. Supplying
beet root plant with N fertilizer up to 100 kg n/ha root fresh weight increase yields and quality
(M.E. Khofali, Y.M.I. Dagash, 2011).

Research results of different authors reported that increasing nitrogen fertilizer increased dry
matter yield of beet root. The effect of five nitrogen rates (0.50, 100, 200 and 300 Kg. /ha on
growth and root of beet root were evaluated under Sparta condition in 2007 and 2008 growing
seasons. But 300 kg/ha N rate significantly affected most of growth and yields of beet root.

N application increased growth root yield dry matter yield root diameter and root length. Based
on these result150kg/ha N treatment can be recommended under similar management
(A.sebhattion. osma, 2010).

If the soil does not always have enough level of N for beet root therefore, farmer must
supplement it N 300-4000 kg is applied during the growing season of beet root. About 150kg/ha
of N is usually applied at planting and the rest when the plants are about 10-10cm hisn. Some
research reports indicated that N side dressons using urea at 100kg/ha can be applied when beet
root are 10cm tall. Further side dressings may be required particularly of the leacrins rain occur.
Quality root are produced it they are growth produces tough wood roots with uneven color and
inferior flavor (F.A. Hellala, A.S. Taal)

Detrot Dark Red:- Roots are perfectly sound with Smooth, Uniform and deep red skin, flesh is
dark blood red with light red Zoning top medium to all, large bright green leaves with maroon
shades. It is heavy cropper.
2.3. Climatic requirement for Beet root

Beet root grows best under cool conditions and can be grown successfully almost all year round.
Crop grown in cool weather produce superior quality roots (with high sugar content and dark
internal color), though plant growth slows under prolonged cold conditions. Beet root has fair
tolerance to moderate frosts at all growth stage, (Asherm, 2006). It grows well in warm weather,
but attains best color, texture and quality in cool weather conditions. It has been reported that
roots developed at a relatively high temperature have poor color, while those planted in cooler
months have excellent color and quality.

2.4. Soil requirement for beet root

Beet root are produced on a wide variety of soil, but deep well drained loams and sandy loams
are considered as the best. Heavy soils are not satisfactory for beets because the roots are likely
to be unsymmetrical in shape when grown on such soils. PH ranges between 6.3 and 7.5 is most
appropriate for cultivation of beet root (Frank stintzing 2005). Beet root grows best under
neutral, moist, and fertile soil without too much lime or acidity. The soil should be soft and not
have too much clay or too much sand; However, since the root develops at the surface a clay soil
can be tolerated it the top has been loosened by the addition of lots of well – ratted organic
matter (don’t add this unless the soil has much clay) ( potter, et. al, 2008).

2.5. Planting Method

Sowing of bet root can be done any time during august to November; sowing time is from end of
February to the end of May. As other crops, it is also preferred to be sown on ridges by keeping
the row to row distance 30 to 40 cm and plant to plant about 15-25 cm. it requires about 10-14 kg
of seed to sow on one hectare, (Pojares M.A et al. 2006). The seed is sown 2-3 cm deep in soil
and irrigated immediately after sowing in light soil.

2.6. Fertilizers

It has been reported that beet root require 60-70 kg of nitrogen, 100-120 kg of potash per hectare
are applied to the soil at the time of field preparation. In addition, 10-15 tones of farm yard
manure (fym) may be mixed up thoroughly in the soil at the time of field preparation (Seirve,
Lara. et al, 2013). The beet crop is also susceptible to boron deficiency causing internal break
down of the roots.

2.7. Irrigation

Beginning our seed need plenty have water to start the germination process. The root will take
moisture from the soil once they are established over watering causes beet root to produce more
leaved and less root, risking them” bolting” (flowering and not produce a vegetable). After
sprouts, only water them every 10-14 days in dry spells. Other than when the weather is
unnaturally dry, normal rain fall should be fine. Again, irrigation depend on soil type as well
(Hobbs, D.A. 2012).

2.8. Weed Control

Weed drastically decrease beet yield and therefore, they should be controlled in beet root
farming hand weeding is practiced. In India where as in advanced countries mechanical
cultivation is commonly employed to control weeds between rows, and herbicides are used
within the rows. Clean and shallow hoeing is frequently done to check the weeds. Deep
cultivation in standing crop should be avoided as it may damage the crop. Excess seedling can be
decreased by thinning.

2.9. Pest and Diseases

Beet root is relatively free from pests and diseases. In beet root, leaf spot is the most common
diseases. These diseases are caused by warm wet conditions. It causes conspicuous spotting
which is very easily recognized. Rotating crops allowing 2 to 3 years between planning beet root
in the same garden bed will help to suppress the leaf spot. Root- knot nematodes cause galls or
swellings on the root. Removing the affected leaf part as soon as the damage is seen. Burning
them, isolating the affected plant and treating lightly with diluted insecticides and fungicide goes
a long way in checking the damaging effect of diseases and pests.

2.10. Harvesting

Beet root are harvested during to 70-120 days after sowing, 6 inch length of greens. 2 inch in
diameter. Beets larger than 3 inch in diameter are generally woody and fibrous. Another sign that
the roots are ready for harvest is when the foliage starts to go limp. Generally the beet roots are
harvested when they have reached a marketable size and have dense, crisp tissue, and larger
roots. The root can be tough, pithy, fibrous, stringy or woody smaller roots may be immature. In
addition to root size beet maturity may also indicated by the rosette of leaves falling away from
the centre of plant (Grubbenen, G.J.H. et al; 2016).

They are usually pulled by hands the tops are removed and after washing the roots are graded
according to size.

3 Materials and Methods

3.1. Size Description

The research will be conducted in Debre Berhan University demonstration size of Horticulture
science. Area location North latitude 09-35’45’’ East longitude 39029, 40”-390 31’ 30” Altitude
range 2800 and 2845 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l). It is found in north shewa zones of
Amhara regional state, central highland of Ethiopia about 130 km from Addis Ababa on the way
to dissie. The farm is located at Tebassie which is sub town of Debre Berhan. The mean annual
temperature is 18.610C and a minimum of 5.20C. The mean relative humidity is estimated to be
10.9% mean annual rain fall of 927.1 mm. It receive rain fall pattern with maximum (293.02
mm) and minimum (4.72 mm) peas in august and December respectively. The soil type of area is
versions. In general the areas fall under highland (dega) agro-ecological zone with a frost
incidence from October to December.

3.2. Experimental Material

The experiment will consist different materials like Detroit dark red variety which is released in
1928 by c.c morse and company watering can digging hoe shovel rake rope, meter, stakes,
mulching materials, and writing material like recording book, pen, fixer, computer, paper for
research work. The experimental condition will be applied to the experiment plot will be two
factors these will be spacing at three level and urea fertilizer at one factor at three level will
investigate on Beet root crop.

3.3. Experimental Treatment

The experiment will consist nine (9) treatment lay out in randomized complete block design with
three replication on well prepared and leveled field. All the treatment will randomly allocate to
different plates in each block. The plot size is 1m* 1.5m and the total plot area 40.5m2 and the
path between plot beds will 0.5m. One meter path between block will maintained to facilitate
agronomic practice.

3.4. Treatment Detail

Factor one = spacing at three level

S0= treatment one (spacing) = 30*16cm

S1= treatment two (spacing) = 30*20cm

S2= treatment three (spacing) = 30*25cm

S1= treatment two (spacing) = 30*20 was considered as standard check factor two= urea
fertilizer rate at three level.

U0= treatment one urea fertilizer at 52.5 gm/plot

U1= treatment two urea fertilizer at 45 gm/plote

U2= treatment three urea fertilizer at 60 gm/plote

U0= treatment one (urea fertilizer 52.5gm/plot will considered at standards check

3.5. Field Layout

S0U0 S0 U 1 S0 U 2 S1 U 0 S1 U 1 S1 U 2 S2 U 0 S2 U 1 S2 U 2

S1U2 S2 U 0 S1 U 0 S2 U 2 S0 U 0 S0 U 1 S1 U 1 S0 U 2 S2 U 1

S2 U 2 S2 U 1 S2 U 0 S1U2 S1 U 1 S1 U 0 S0 U 2 S0 U 1 S0 U 0

3.6. Agronomic Practice

3.6.1. Soil Preparation

As seed is sown directly fields need to be prepared correctly and thoroughly. The soil must be
tilled free of old plant material and have good crumb structure. Good soil preparation can be
achieved by ploughing, harrowing and leveling prior to sowing.

3.6.2. Sowing

The seed is generally large with a corky exterior. It is seed clustery or glome rule containing 2-6
seeds. One seed can therefore give rise to more than one seedling. This seed is known as
multigerm seed. Germination usually takes between 10 to 14 days.

3.6.3. Plant Spacing

Due to the fact that most seed it multi-germ the use of precision seeders is considered
unnecessarily. However recent studies have shown that even with precision planter population
stands of beet appears more uniform in shape compared with conventional row plantings.

Seed is usually sown in slit trenches 2 cm deep. Plating in rows is to facilitate the mechanical
removal of weed without disturbing the beet crops. In plant spacing is between 15 and 25 cm
depending on the size requirement needed at harvest and between rows spacing longest from 30-
40 cm.

3.6.4. Planting Depth

Beet seed can be planted 1.0 and 2.5 cm depending on variety. Early sowings can be planted
shallower to optimize the emergence rate for early maturing beet.

3.6.5. Fertilization

On sand soils apply between 110-200kg N/ha. Broad cast 50% of Nitrogen should be applied
prior planting and incorporated. The remainder of should be applied as a side dressing 10, 20, 30
and 40 days after sowing. On heavy sol apply between 40-60 kgN/ha.

3.6.6. Irrigation Requirement

As with most vegetable crops it is very important to keep the soil most until plant emerges in the
case of very hot weather, a layer of mulch can be used to prevent the soil drying out too rapidly.
It is necessarily irrigate two times per day until germination, but the water requirement is
decrease during growing. After 30 days of sowing it requires 8 to 14 days.

3.7. Other Cultivation Practices

3.7.1. Weed Control

Weed competes with beet root for space, light, water, and nutritional resources on the soil
particularly during the early part of the season. They can reduce yield if left unchecked regular
cultivation presents weeds competing with beetroot perennial weed should be eliminated prior to
planting beetroot.

3.7.2. Harvesting

Beet root is normally ready for harvest between 75 and 90 days in summer and 100 and 120 days
on winter. Due to variable nature of beet root and uneven spacing from multi-germ seed
harvesting generally occurs in stages. The first harvest is thinning out grosses where beet roots
size between 3 and 4 cm in diameter. The majority of beet root harvested when it attains a width
of 7.5 cm. this can be done manually.

3.7.3. Postharvest

Beet root quality indicates are root size uniform and intensive color firmness, clearness, rimming
of rootlets and freedom from defects. Beet root can be stored quite successfully under certain
condition. Prior to storage, beets should be topped and stored to remove all diseases or
mechanically damage roots. Large roots store better than smaller ones, as they shrives relatively
slower.

3.8. Data to Be Collection

The beet root sample per plot will be taken at random with respect to replicated treatment and
border effects will eliminate data on parameter will be taken the maturity of the crop. Data will
be taken starting from 75 days after planting or sowing parameter like leaf length, leaf width.
Plant height, root diameter and root length will ne measure using ruler in cm or meter base. The
 above and below ground part will be dried on oven for 24-36 hr depend on temperature of
condition and accordingly all data will be taken and recorded.

3.9. Data Analysis

All parameter under investigation will be analyzed and summarized based on analysis of
variance (ANDVA). A statical analysis will be done by using SAS soft ware and comparisons of
means with DMRT al 5% level.

4. Work Plan

No Activities November December January February March April May

1. Proposal title selection √
2. Proposal development √
3. Proposal first submission √
4. Proposal final submission √
5. Defense of proposal √
6. Field preparation and sowing √
7. Data collection √
8. Data entry processing analysis √
and paper write up
9. Report writing √
10. Final submission of the pepper √
to department
11. Presentation √
5. Budget Plan

No Item paper Unit Quantity Unit Price Total

1. Paper No 150 0.35 52.50
2. Pen No 5 25 25
3. Scientific Calculator No 1 120 120
4. Binder No 1 20 20
5. Ruler No 1 10 10
6. CD. RW No 1 7 7
7. Field note book No 1 12 12
8. Labor cost for land preparation Person days 5 100 500
9. Labor cost for planting Person days 5 100 5000
10. Labor cost watering Person days 5 100 500
11. Labor cost of weeding Person days 5 100 500
12. Computer printing and copping Page 25 2 50
13. Total 2296.50
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