Effect of Seeding Depth, Nitrogen Placement Method and Biochar on the Growth, Yield and its Related Parameters of Sugar Beet

The present study was conducted to see the effect of seeding depth, nitrogen placement method and biochar on the growth, yield and its related parameters of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) at Sugar Crops Research Institute Mardan during 2011-12 and 2012-13. The experiment was laid outin a randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement in four replications. Sugar beetwas sown at the rate of 6 kg ha^-1 at four seeding depths from 1 to 4 cm. Nitrogen was applied at band and broadcast methods at the rate of 140 kg ha^-1 mixed with biochar at the rate of 25 and 50 t ha^-1. The data collected on various parameters were statistically analyzed and planned mean comparisons were carried out to explain significant differences. Seeding depth significantly affected all the studied parameters except sugar sucrose. Sugar beet planted at 2 cm depth showed highest germination process and gave better yield production. Mean maximum leaf area plant-1 (170.49 cm^2), leaf area index (6.77), root length (35.50 cm) and root weight plant^-1 (0.98 kg^-1) were recorded in sugar beet planted at 2 cm depth. Nitrogen band placement method significantly affected growth and yield related attributes of sugar beet. Mean maximum leaf area plant-1 (173.32 cm^2), leaf area index (6.68), root length (36.50 cm), root weight plant^-1 (1.03 kg^-1) and sugar sucrose (15.91%) were recorded in band placement method of nitrogen. Application of biochar significantly improved soil fertility and maximum leaf area plant-1 (171.99 cm^2), leaf area index (6.48), root length (36.17 cm), root weight plant^-1 (1.02 kg^-1) and sucrose contents (15.91%) were recorded in plots where 50 t ha^-1 biochar was incorporated. The amalgamation of banded nitrogen and 50 t ha^-1 biochar showed mean maximum leaf area plant^-1 (176.38 cm^2), leaf area index (6.88), root length (37.10 cm), root weight plant-1 (1.04 kg^-1) and sugar sucrose (16.07%). In conclusion, banded nitrogen merged with 50 t ha^-1 biochar at 2 cm depth enhanced growth and yield attributes of sugar beet and is recommended.