Sugar Beet Yield Research Articles

Evaluating Intra-Field Spatial Variability for Nutrient Management Zone Delineation through Geospatial Techniques and Multivariate Analysis

This research study underscores the importance of effectively managing soil nutrients in a site-specific manner to enhance crop productivity while considering the spatial variability of the soil. The objective is to identify subfields with similar soil characteristics, referred to as management zones (MZs), to promote sustainable land utilization. This study was conducted in two central pivot fields located in Southern Idaho, USA, where barley and sugar beets were grown. Soil samples were collected from each field in a grid pattern and analyzed for various chemical properties. These properties included soil pH, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, excess lime, electrical conductivity, total inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and boron. Descriptive statistics and normality assessments were performed, and the coefficient of variation was calculated to assess the heterogeneity of soil properties, revealing significant variability. To determine the spatial variability of soil properties, ordinary kriging was used revealing diverse spatial patterns for each location and soil variable examined with moderate to strong spatial dependence. To develop the MZs, a combination of principal component analysis and fuzzy k-means clustering was utilized, and specific parameters that represented the overall variability of soil properties in each field were identified. Based on the identified parameters, two clusters were created in each field. The first management zone (MZ1) exhibited lower values of soil pH, excess lime content, and electrical conductivity compared to the MZ2. Consequently, higher crop productivity was observed in MZ1 in both fields. The biomass yields of barley and sugar beets in MZ1 surpassed those in MZ2. This study highlights the effectiveness of the methodology employed to delineate MZs, which can be instrumental in precise soil nutrient management and maximizing crop productivity.

ВИРОБНИЦТВО ЦУКРОВИХ БУРЯКІВ В УКРАЇНІ: СТАТИСТИКО-ПРОГНОСТИЧНА ОЦІНКА

The article discusses the theoretical, methodological and applied aspects of using statistical instruments to assess the state, tendencies and prospects of beet growing, forecasting production of beet and sugar subcomplex. Using of integrated and synergistic approaches to studied issues ensure the reliability of the results of statistical analysis. The current state and dynamics of the sugar beet production in Ukraine are analyzed. In recent years, there has been a negative trend in the reduction of sugar beet acreage and production volumes. For the period of 2003–2022, the average annual absolute decrease in sugar beet acreage was 30,5 thousand hectares. As a result, sugar beet production volumes are decreasing, and the availability of raw materials for sugar factories is decreasing. The tendencies and prospects of sugar beet production were assessed using economic and mathematical methods and models. Both simple methods of dynamic series analysis and construction of linear/non-linear trendy models were used to identify the tendency of the effective indicators of sugar beet production. The effective factor of intensity of development of beet growing, increase of volumes of beet production is the yield of sugar beet. The linear, exponential and parabolic trend models of sugar beet yield are built. Using the standard deviation and coefficient of variation, the linear and parabolic trend equations are estimated. The closeness of the analytical series to the empirical series of dynamics was established by the calculated bond density indicators. It was found that the parabolic trend model accurately reflects the sugar beet yield trend. Statistical instruments were used to forecast sugar beet production in the form of a dynamic system and reproduce this system in the short term with a certain level of probability. The parabolic trend model was used to make predictive calculations of sugar beet yield in Ukraine. The forecast level of sugar beet yield in Ukraine in 2024 will be in the range from 436,4 dt/ha to 576,1 dt/ha.

Development of the beet sugar subcomplex of the regional agro-industrial complex

In the present research, we have studied the beet sugar sub-complex at the regional level. Using the scenario method, the cultivated areas indicators of the beet-growing districts of the sugar plant Raevsakhar LLC in the short term have been predicted, that allows us to take into account and adjust the planned indicators due to changing economic conditions and the likelihood of risks. The gross yield of cultivated and harvested areas of sugar beet in raw material areas has been calculated. We have identified the reserve for increasing the gross yield of sugar beet by reducing the area of crop death in the raw material areas of the plant to 117 000 c. Directions for activating the work of the beet-sugar sub-complex of the region with the further development of agricultural firms, the use of intensive cultivation technologies and the involvement of additional farms in the cultivation of sugar beet have been proposed.

Leaf Area Development and Sugar Beet Yield under Fertilization in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe

Leaf Area Development and Sugar Beet Yield under Fertilization in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe

Effect of Form of Silicon and the Timing of a Single Foliar Application on Sugar Beet Yield

The aim of the study was the evaluation of silicon foliar application on sugar beet yield. In the years 2017–2019, the effect of a single foliar application of various forms of silicon (potassium silicate—PS, calcium silicate—CS, sodium metasilicate—SM, and orthosilicic stabilized acid—OSA) applied in the six-leaf phase of sugar beet, 7 and 14 days later on yield and technological quality of sugar beet roots was assessed. It was found that the form of silicon does not have a significant effect on the yield of sugar beet roots, and significantly modifies the biological yield of sugar and the pure sugar yield. The highest biological yield of sugar is achieved by the foliar application of PS, and the pure sugar yield by PS and OSA. The date of foliar application as well as the interaction of the date of application and silicon forms do not have a significant effect on the root yield, biological yield of sugar, and pure sugar yield. The form of silicon has a significant effect on the technological quality of sugar beet roots (sugar, α-amino nitrogen, potassium, and sodium content). The most beneficial effect on the sugar content and reduction of sodium content in sugar beet roots is the foliar application of OSA, and the reduction of α-amino nitrogen and potassium content—PS. The timing of the application of various forms of silicon has a significant effect on the sugar and potassium content in sugar beet roots. The most beneficial effect on the sugar content in the roots is the application carried out 7 days after the six-leaf phase of sugar beet, and the potassium content is most limited by the treatment 14 days after reaching this phase. The interaction of the timing of foliar application and the form of silicon significantly modifies the technological quality features of sugar beet roots: the content of sugar, α-amino nitrogen, potassium, and sodium. The results of the study proved the significant effect of silicon foliar application on the physiological parameters of plants, such as leaf area index (LAI), absorption of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) which are related to yield and sugar beet productivity.

Simultaneous evaluation of yield and stability of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) varieties under Egyptian conditions using AMMI and GGE biplot approaches

An experiment was conducted on stability analysis of seven diverse monogram sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) varieties for root and sugar yields and their attributes grown under three harvesting dates after sowing during 2021-22 and 2022-23. The data generated from eighteen environments representing the combinations among harvesting dates, locations, and seasons were subjected to additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) genotype main effect and genotype x environment interaction (GGE Biplot) analysis. Results obtained from AMMI combined analysis of variance showed that the main effects of sugar beet varieties, environments, and their interaction were highly significant for all studied traits. It is observed that sugar beet plants grown in the Nubaria region and harvested after 210 days, gave the best results for most root and sugar quality traits. The analysis further revealed that Volna and Klara varieties were the elite ones regarding root and sugar yields, and juice quality parameters as an overall mean across the environments. AMMI stability analysis indicated the variety Vangelis was broadly or narrowly stable under different environments and reflected somewhat good performance for most studied traits, while Klara and Volna were considered very promising as above stable ones using GGE Biplot graphs. The findings indicated that GGE Biplot graphs are more accurate and more informative as compared to AMMI stability analysis.

Enhancing sugar beet yield and quality in Northeast China: Investigating the synergistic impact of sugar mill filter mud and biochar on black soil

In this study, different ratios of sugar beet sugar factory filter mud and biochar in different proportions were used to assess the effect of incorporating filter mud into the field on soil quality and its influence on two distinct sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) varieties: high-yielding KWS9147 and high-sugar KWS1176. The experiment was conducted in 2022 at the Hulan Campus of Heilongjiang University in Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China. Eight treatments were employed, including CK1 (no filter mud or biochar application), CK2 (20 t/ha biochar), T1 (16.67kg/ha filter mud), T2 (16.67 t/ha filter mud + 20 t/ha biochar), T3 (33.33 t/ha filter mud), T4 (33.33 t/ha filter mud + 20 t/ha biochar), and T5 (50kg/ha filter mud). For sugar beets, parameters such as the SPAD value(Soil and Plant Analyzer Development, represents the relative content of chlorophyll), disease resistance (root rot and brown spot), tuber yield, and sugar content were evaluated. Soil analysis included nitrogen content, available potassium content, available phosphorus content, and soil sucrase, urease, and phosphatase activities. Results indicated that the combined application of 16.67 t/ha filter mud and 20 t/ha biochar had a positive impact on the growth indices, tuber yield, sugar content, effective phosphorus, and quick-acting potassium content in KWS1176. In contrast, for KWS9147, the most favorable effect was achieved with the application of 16.67 t/ha filter mud. This treatment improved plant leaf growth, increased tuber yield and sugar content, reduced root rot incidence, elevated alkaline dissolved nitrogen content in the inter-root soil, and enhanced soil phosphatase activity. Biochar application did not contribute significantly to these improvements. Therefore, returning sugar mill sludge to the field demonstrated its potential to enhance soil quality, promote the yield of sugar beet varieties, and improve resistance to root rot while also providing an eco-friendly solution for managing environmental issues related to sludge accumulation.

Enhancing Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Yield and Quality: Evaluating the Efficiency of Chemical and Mechanical Weed Control Strategies

Weeds exert a pronounced influence on the sugar beet yield, leading to the potential for substantial reductions in agricultural productivity. In pursuit of addressing this issue, two experiments were conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture in Giza, Egypt, during the winter seasons of 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 to investigate the efficacy of various pre- and post-herbicides applied differently in active ingredient percentages, forms, and on weed target types, and mechanical weed treatments on weed traits and sugar beet crop performance. (1) In this context, five herbicidal treatments, including pre-emergence (S-Metoachlor) and post-emergence applications of Betanal Max Pro (Desmedipham 4.7% + Ethofumesate 7.5% + Lenacil 2.7% + Phenmedipham 6%), Tegrospecial (Desmedipham 20% + Phenmedipham 20%) for total annual weeds, C Factor (Haloxyfop-R-Methyl 7.5% + Fluazifop-p-putyl 15%), and Clictar (Clethodium 24%) for grassy weeds, were assessed alongside mechanical weeding and a weedy check (control). (2) The evaluations encompassed growth parameters, juice quality, and beet yields to comprehensively assess the treatment effects. (3) Notably, weed control measures, especially regarding three total annual weeds herbicides and the cultivation when using both grassy weed herbicides, consistently produced the highest improvements in sugar beet root’s fresh and dry weights, root dimensions, sucrose content, purity, sugar recovery, as well as the root and recoverable sugar yields, across both seasons. (4) However, it is important to note that the application of Clethodium 24% and Haloxyfop-R-Methyl 7.5% + Fluazifop-p-putyl 15% resulted in elevated levels of sodium, potassium, amino nitrogen, impurities, and sucrose loss to molasses. These findings underscore the substantial influence of herbicide use and mechanical weeding on sugar beet’s growth, juice quality, and yield, with S-Metoachlor, Desmedipham 20% + Phenmedipham 20% and Desmedipham 4.7% + Ethofumesate 7.5% + Lenacil 2.7% + Phenmedipham 6%—showing promise as effective weed control options, albeit with certain associated drawbacks.

MINERAL FERTILIZERS IMPACT ON SUGAR BEET PRODUCTIVITY IN SOUTHEAST KAZAKHSTAN

Determining the influence of various levels of mineral fertilizers to obtain the optimum productivity of two sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) hybrids was the prime goal of the pertinent research. The sugar beet responsiveness’ identification and their payback by enhanced yield to increasing fertilizer rates was effective. The fertilizers’ role in managing the variations in the primary indicators of efficient soil fertility has also been evident. Regression analysis described the relationship among the fertilizer intensity, soil agrochemical indicators, and the productivity of sugar beet. It allowed, with a high degree of reliability, to predict the sugar beet yield of the two hybrids (Aksu and Yampol) at different levels of fertilizer strength. The data characterizing the state of sugar beet sowing in Kazakhstan over the past 10 years are accessible.

ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ МИНЕРАЛЬНЫХ УДОБРЕНИЙ И УРОЖАЙНОСТЬ САХАРНОЙ СВЕКЛЫ В УСЛОВИЯХ БУИНСКОГО МУНИЦИПАЛЬНОГО РАЙОНА РЕСПУБЛИКИ ТАТАРСТАН

The article presents the results of an agroecological assessment of the use of mineral fertilizers on sugar beet crops in the Buinsky municipal district over the past eight years (2015-2022). The scientific novelty lies in considering the issue of statistical processing of actual data on sugar beet yields and the level of application of mineral fertilizers for this crop in relation to a specific municipal district, which certainly has practical significance when making management decisions, determining the structure of the specific composition of mineral fertilizers. As a result of the study, the dependence of sugar beet yield on the amount of the main types of mineral fertilizers applied for the period from 2015 to 2022 was analyzed. Correlation analysis of sugar beet yield and the amount of various types of mineral fertilizers applied to this crop revealed the dependence of yield on the amount of potash fertilizers applied.Next, the formula for regression analysis of the dependence of sugar beet yield on the amount of potassium-containing mineral fertilizers was determined. Regression and correlation analyses of sugar beet cultivation have shown that the level of natural fertility of arable soils in the Buinsky district provides only 20 t/ha of root crops. The application of mineral fertilizers ensures the production of 35,5 t /ha of sugar beet. The increase in yield at the same time will be 15,5 t/ ha. The closest relationship between the increase in yield and nutrition elements was observed in potassium-containing fertilizers (coefficient 0.45). A slight tightness of dependence on the Cheddock scale was noted between an increase in yield and the level of application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers (0.08 and 0.11). This causes the fact that the soils under sugar beet are highly fertile and well provided with these nutrients.

Genome-Wide Analysis of Q-Type C2H2 ZFP Genes in Response to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Sugar Beet.

A plant's Q-type C2H2-type ZFP plays key roles in plant growth and development and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is an important crop for sugar production. Salt stress and viral infection significantly reduce the root yield and sugar content of sugar beet. However, there is a lack of comprehensive genome-wide analyses of Q-type C2H2 ZFPs and their expression patterns in sugar beet under stress. In this study, 35 sugar beet Q-type C2H2 ZFPs (BvZFPs) containing at least one conserved "QALGGH" motif were identified via bioinformatics techniques using TBtools software. According to their evolutionary relationship, the BvZFPs were classified into five subclasses. Within each subclass, the physicochemical properties and motif compositions showed strong similarities. A Ka/Ks analysis indicated that the BvZFPs were conserved during evolution. Promoter cis-element analysis revealed that most BvZFPs are associated with elements related to phytohormone, biotic or abiotic stress, and plant development. The expression data showed that the BvZFPs in sugar beet are predominantly expressed in the root. In addition, BvZFPs are involved in the response to abiotic and biotic stresses, including salt stress and viral infection. Overall, these results will extend our understanding of the Q-type C2H2 gene family and provide valuable information for the biological breeding of sugar beet against abiotic and biotic stresses in the future.

AMMI Analysis of Genotype × Environment Interaction on Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Yield, Sugar Content and Production in Romania

The overall yield and sugar content of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) were determined by the genotype and its interaction with the environment. This study aimed to analyze the interaction of 23 genotypes with different environmental conditions during two growing seasons. To estimate the variance of genotypes, environment, and genotype function of the environment, the R 3.5.1 software package was used. In addition, the multivariate stability method was used to explain the G (genotype) × E (environment) interaction based on the GGE (Genotype plus Genotype-by-Environment) and AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interaction) biplots. The AMMI ASV (AMMI stability value) and biplot analysis revealed that only two genotypes (G10 and G11) showed higher values for yield and sugar content and production compared to the other genotypes. The AMMI ASV analysis also showed that the environment significantly influenced the sugar beet yield, sugar content, and sugar production, which were the descriptors for production in this study.

Green waste-derived compost (GWC) alleviates drought stress and promotes sugar beet productivity and biofortification

ABSTRACT Green waste-derived compost (GWC) is a valuable soil amendment for improving soil organic matter and decreasing waste products and potential pollutants. The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of GWC application on the yield and quality of sugar beet under deficit irrigation conditions using different irrigation systems. A field experiment was conducted using the commercial sugar beet variety Gazelle in sandy soil. Two doses (0 and 14 t ha−1) of GWC were applied to the soil. Three water deficiency levels (60, 80 and 100% of the soil field capacity) under either drip and sprinkler irrigation systems were applied. The application of 14 ton ha−1 of GWC resulted in the highest root and recoverable sugar yields, especially under the well-irrigated conditions under drip irrigation. Sugar beet root biofortification and juice quality were also significantly improved under drip irrigation in response to the application of 14 ton ha−1 of GWC by increasing sucrose content, quality index (Qz)% and recoverable sugar (RS)%. The application of GWC under drip irrigation enhanced water use efficiency for root (WUERY) and recoverable sugar yields (WUERSY), in particular under drip irrigation and water deficit conditions (60% of the soil field capacity). The soil physicochemical properties were significantly improved in response to the application of GWC. GWC application promoted the yield and biofortification of sugar beet by improving the soil physiochemical properties, and nutrient mobilization and uptake. The application of GWC is essential for sustainable sugar beet production and efficient irrigation water use in sandy soils.

Long-term effects of liming on crop yield, plant diseases, soil structure and risk of phosphorus leaching

This study examined the long-term effects of applying structure lime (mixture of ~80% CaCO3 and 20% Ca(OH)2) and ground limestone (CaCO3) on soil aggregate stability and risk of phosphorus (P) losses 5–7 years after liming, incidence of soil-borne diseases and yield in winter wheat (Tritium aestivum), oilseed rape (Brassica napus) and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris). Lime was applied in 13 field trials in Sweden 2013–2015 and soil characteristics and crop yield were monitored until 2021. Seedbed (0–4 cm depth) aggregate (2–5 mm size) stability was improved to the same extent with both lime treatments compared to the untreated control, sampled 5–7 years after liming. Analyses and estimations of different P fractions (total P, PO4-P, and particulate P) in leachate following simulated rainfall events on undisturbed topsoil cores sampled 6–8 years after liming revealed lower total P and particulate P concentrations in both lime treatments compared to the untreated control. Two sugar beet trial sites with soil pH ≤7.2 before liming showed an increase in sugar yield for structure lime and ground limestone as an effect of increased concentration of soil potassium (K-AL) and/or lower Aphanomyces root rot potential compared to the untreated control. The yield of winter wheat was not affected by the application of either type of lime at sites with pH >7.2 but the yield of oilseed rape decreased after the application of structure lime.

The Effects of Biochar-Based Organic Fertilizer and Mineral Fertilizer on Soil Quality, Beet Yield, and Sugar Yield

The addition of biochar-based organic fertilizer (BOF) can improve sugar beet yield, but its effects on the growth of sugar beet and on soil quality at different densities remain unclear. Six treatments, comprising two densities D1 and D2 (80,000 and 90,000 plant ha−1) and three application rates B1, B2, and B3 (2.75, 3.25, and 3.75 t ha−1) of BOFs + mineral fertilizer, respectively, are investigated in this research. The mineral fertilizers are typically used to supplement the total N, P2O5, and K2O deficiencies. The BOFs were used in the soil before sowing, and the mineral fertilizer was added to the soil after the first pair of true leaves was grown. At 160 days after sowing (DAS), the root-to-shoot ratio under the D2B2 treatment was significantly higher than that under the other treatments. The effect of density on the photosynthesis rate of sugar beet was not significant. The BOF application amount and density exerted interaction effects on soil physicochemical properties and the activities of different soil enzymes affecting each other. Both the D2B2 and D2B3 treatments reduced the content of NO3–-N in the 40–60 cm soil layer. Combined 90,000 plants ha–1 with 3.25 t ha−1 BOFs can increase the soil nutrient content of the 0–60 cm soil layer, improve the rhizosphere soil environment, promote the uniform distribution of dry matter, and increase sugar production.

Assessment of genetic diversity, yield and quality performance of O-Type Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) breeding lines

Assessment of genetic diversity, yield and quality performance of O-Type Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) breeding lines

Increasing sustainability by intercropping legume crops with sugar beet under imposed water stress

AbstractThe sustainable use of soil and water resources is a goal that should be pursued to attain food security. This investigation was implemented to compare the effects of three legume intercropping systems with sugar beet on (i) enhancing sugar beet yield under imposed water stress conditions, (ii) soil N contents, (iii) land and water use efficiencies, and (iv) farmers' net income. Two field experiments were carried out in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons in the El‐Minia Governorate, Egypt. The treatments included the interaction between three irrigation treatments: required irrigation ((control, 100% ETc, RI) and two levels of imposed water stress (85% ETc (WS1) and 70% ETc (WS2)), and three intercropping systems: faba bean (FIS), chickpea (CIS) and lentil (LIS) intercropped with sugar beet. The results indicate that the application of implementing CIS and with RI attained higher average values of soil N content (SNC = 14.0 mg kg−1) and net income (NI = US$3,974 ha−1) than those obtained by sugar beet alone. Irrigation with WS1 and the implementation of CIS gave a value of SNC (12.3 mg kg−1) close to that obtained under sugar beet alone irrigated with RI. CIS irrigated with WS1 attained higher averaged values of land equivalent ratio (LER = 1.34), area time equivalent ratio (ATER = 1.28), land equivalent coefficient (LEC = 0.38), water equivalent ratio (WER = 1.12), negative value of change in water use (ΔWU < 0) and NI (US$3,602 ha−1) than those obtained under FIS or LIS irrigated with RI. In conclusion, implementing CIS and irrigation with RI can achieve the sustainable use of land and water. However, implementing CIS and irrigation with WS1 can realize soil improvement, conserve irrigation water and attain higher values of LER, ATER, LEC, WER, and NI than those obtained under FIS, LIS and sugar beet alone.

Phosphorus Sources and Sheep Manure Fertilization for Soil Properties Enhancement and Sugar Beet Yield

Inorganic fertilizers abundant used cause hazardous environmental effects and unsafe food. Contrarily, organic fertilizers are usually utilized as soil amendments and they boost crop yield quantity and quality. A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of some phosphorus (P) sources, such as rock phosphate (RP), superphosphate (SP), and sheep manure (SM), on some soil chemical properties, growth and yield in sugar beet plants. The field experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design with three replicates for two growing seasons (2020/21and 2021/22). Results showed significant increases in yield and physiological parameters in all treatments. Co-applying of RP with SP caused a significant increase in the SOM, N, P, and K by 70.45, 31.52, 128.35, and 24.85% respectively compared to T1. All applications to the soil significantly increased the fresh weights of sugar beet roots were significantly increased by 24.71, 17.92 and 25.72% for T2, T3, and T4 respectively over the control. Also co-application of SM and SP (T3) lead to the highest sucrose content which increased by 5.09% than the control. Therefore, we concluded that integrated fertilizer management improves soil properties and yield so these results can be used to employ to reduce the detrimental consequences of using chemical fertilizers.

Moisture Regime of Leached Chernozem, the Yield and Quality of Sugar Beet Root Crops under Different Weather and Agrotechnical Conditions in the Сentral Сhernozem Region

The efficiency of moisture use and the yield of sugar beet increased with the use of fertilizers, combined tillage and an increase in the moisture coefficient (according to Ivanov) for 2 months before cleaning. A more favorable soil moisture regime and a lower density of addition in sugar beet crops were formed in conditions of high moisture during combined tillage. The best technological qualities of the root fruits are determined with average moisture and combined processing. The share of the influence of weather conditions on crop yield was 51, fertilizers – 30, tillage – 3%. The highest yield of sugar beet (48.3–48.5 t/ha), energy efficiency (4.6) and profitability of production (95%) were established with multi-depth dump and combined tillage in crop rotation, fertilization and high soil moisture.

Deficit irrigation combined with nitrogen application in the early growth stage of sugar beet increases the production capacity of canopy and avoids yield loss.

Properly reduced irrigation combined with nitrogen (N) application can be used to improve crop water use efficiency (WUE) in arid regions, but its effect on sugar beet is unknown at present. A two-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of N application (N0, 0; N1, 150; N2, 225 kg N ha-1 ) on the canopy production capacity (CPC), yield and WUE of sugar beet under normal irrigation (W1, 70% of field capacity (FC)) and deficit irrigation (DI) (W2, 50% FC) in the early growth stage (EGS). The results showed that the W2 treatment reduced the CPC by reducing gas exchange, leaf area index (LAI) and chlorophyll content (SPAD value) of sugar beet leaves compared to the W1 treatment. However, DI combined with N application increased these parameters. Specifically, N application increased the net photosynthetic rate by 40.7% by increased gas exchange, SPAD and LAI compared to the N0 treatment. In addition, N application increased WUE by 12.5% by increasing thickness of upper surface, stomatal aperture and cross-sectional area of petiole. This ultimately led to a significant increase in taproot yield (TY; 19.7%) and sugar yield (SY; 57.6%). Although the TY of the N2 treatment was higher than that of the N1 treatment, the SY and WUE did not increase significantly and the harvest index decreased significantly by 9.3%. DI combined with 150 kg N ha-1 in the EGS of sugar beet increases the WUE in arid areas while avoiding yield loss by improving the CPC. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.