COMBINED TREATMENT OF SUGAR BEET DURING THE PLANT VEGETATION

Abstract

Effective system of sugar beet protection during its vegetation is one of the back-up ways of increasing the beet fields’ productive capacity. Combination of mechanical and chemical methods for weed control is the solution to this problem. Current study introduces multifunctional multiple-unit machine, which allows performing band treatment with herbicides, micro fertilizers and growth-regulating agents together with mechanical inter-row cultivation. Herbicide treatment helps to get rid of weeds. Foliar applications guarantee fast replenishment of plants with macro- and microelements. It is necessary at certain stages of plant growth, characterized by increased need in nutrients. Under adverse vegetation conditions, root system cannot obtain nutrients from soil; therefore, foliar application is the only source of supply. Mechanical cultivation allows simultaneous weeding, chemical and foliar nutrient applications, considerably reducing the operational costs.