The 'Elixir' sugar beet variety requires a comprehensive approach to fertilization and care to achieve a high yield and high-quality root system development. Applying mineral fertilizers at different growth stages ensures the plant receives necessary nutrition. It is recommended to use specialized fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, boron, and zinc, applied at the main, pre-sowing, and sowing fertilization stages, as well as during the first and second top-dressings. Fertilizer application rates depend on soil fertility, the preceding crop, and the planned yield level.
Special attention should be paid to ensuring adequate potassium supply, which plays a key role in sugar transport and overall beet health. Potassium deficiency at the beginning of vegetation leads to accelerated and then slowed leaf development, changes in leaf shape, and the appearance of dry dark brown or grayish spots, negatively affecting root tuber formation. Such tubers are usually small, have few lateral roots, and are easily pulled out of the soil. Potassium deficiency can arise due to low soil content of this element, insufficient fertilizer application, as well as rotation and soil type characteristics, especially on sandy and organic soils.
Sugar syrup is produced from the 'Elixir' sugar beet variety through purification and evaporation at high temperatures. This syrup is rich in folic acid, magnesium, iron, and potassium, has a high sweetening capacity, and is widely used in the food industry for making candies, desserts, and as a sugar substitute.
