Yield and quality of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) at different water and nitrogen levels under the climatic conditions of Kırsehir, Turkey

• This crop is one of the highest water consuming plants due to the long growth period. Therefore, irrigation scheduling is important in sugar beet.
• Sugar beet has an economic importance as the raw material for the production of sugar.
• The most appropriate irrigation and nitrogen scheduling could be implemented.
• Drip irrigation on the water conservation in the nationwide can be developed.
• Deficit irrigation can play an important role in increasing water use efficiency.

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of different irrigation and nitrogen levels on yield, yield components, and sugar rate of the sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) during the years 2012 and 2013 in the Kırşehir province of Turkey. Experiments were carried out in split plots in randomized blocks with three replications.The application of irrigation water was based on cumulative class A pan evaporation within the irrigation intervals. Treatments consisted of one irrigation interval (7 days) and three different irrigation levels (I1, I2, and I3) adjusted according to the class A pan evaporation (Epan) using three different plant-pan coefficients (Kcp1: 0.5; Kcp2: 0.75; and Kcp3: 1.00) and four nitrogen fertilizer levels (N1: 30 kg ha−1; N2: 40 kg ha−1; N3: 50 kg ha−1; and N4: 60 kg ha−1).The highest WUE and IWUE values, the best quality parameters (Na, K, and alpha-amino nitrogen), and economic sugar beet root yield was determined in the treatment of I1N1 (Kcp1: 0.5 and 30 kg ha−1 of N). Therefore, this treatment can be used for sugar beet cultivation under similar climate and soil conditions.