This article explains how to cultivate and harvest beetroot that is ready for the market.
Beetroot does best in deep, well-drained loamy to sandy soil. Heavy clay soil or soil that crusts after rain or irrigation may lead to establishment problems and result in misshapen roots.
Beetroot prefers soil with a pH of 5,8 to 7, but can tolerate a pH of up to 7,6.
Acidic soil may lead to nutrient deficiency problems, so avoid planting in this type of soil.
If you must plant in acidic soil, use lime to increase the PH.
While mature beets are fairly tolerant to salinity, seedlings are relatively sensitive.
PREPARING FOR PLANTING
The beetroot is propagated by seed. Prepare the seedbed by ploughing 15cm to 20cm deep to break up clods.
The soil should be as level as possible, with enough moisture and a good crumb structure free of undecomposed plant material.
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Denne historien er fra July 26, 2019-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Syngenta Seedcare celebrates a decade of innovation
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Why fish farms fail, and how to avoid becoming a statistic
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THE HITCHING POST
I'm a stylish elderly lady with a radiant glow and a good sense of humour that keeps me young at heart.
Cutworms: check the weeds on your fields!
Zunel van Eeden explains why understanding the ecological interplay between cutworms and weeds is crucial for effective pest management. Producers should disrupt the life cycle of cutworms to minimise crop damage.
Does high-density grazing mimic grazing patterns of game?
In their paper on high-density grazing in Southern Africa, professors Angelinus Franke and Elmarie Kotzé from the Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences at the University of the Free State say high-density grazing systems may not accurately reflect natural ecosystems. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.
Global grain outlook: 2024/25 marketing season
In its latest summer crops report, the Crop Estimates Committee says South African farmers intend to plant 4,47 million hectares of summer grains and oilseeds in the 2024/25 season, up 1% from the previous season. As South Africa exports maize and soya bean, Annelie Coleman reports on the latest trends in the international grain and oilseed markets, amid fluctuations in weather conditions and ongoing armed conflicts.
