Plant and Soil Science

Influence of the predecessor on sugar beet yield in short-rotation crop rotations in the western forest-steppe of Ukraine

Dmytro Kyselov
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Abstract

Due to the intensification of sugar beet production in short-rotation crop rotations, the importance of optimal predecessor selection to ensure stable yields increases. Rational crop alternation was a key factor in maintaining soil fertility and reducing the risk of phytosanitary problems. The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of various predecessors on sugar yield and harvest, considering the type of soil in the western forest-steppe of Ukraine. The study used the method of comparative analysis of sugar beet productivity after different predecessors on soils of different genetic origin; statistical processing of the results was carried out by the method of variance analysis and regression modelling. Root crop yields, sugar content levels, and gross sugar yield were studied after such predecessors as winter wheat, winter barley, soybeans, and corn. It was found that the highest yield was provided by grain predecessors (winter wheat, barley), especially on highly productive soils. The relationship between soil type and predecessor efficiency was analysed: on carbonate and sandy soils, the yield after soybeans and corn decreased to 8.7-9.5 t/ha. It has been generalised that soil fertility mitigates the negative impact of less favourable predecessors. It was found that the effect of the predecessor significantly depends on the type of soil: on chernozems and forest soils, the effect of grain was most pronounced. The results obtained can serve as a basis for developing regionally adapted recommendations on the structure of crop rotations in beet farms. The results of the study can be used by agronomists, consultants and agricultural producers to improve crop rotations and optimise the technology of growing sugar beet in the western forest-steppe

Keywords

carbonate soils; soil type; productivity of agrocoenoses; structural and agrochemical properties; soil fertility

Suggested citation
Kyselov, D. (2025). Influence of the predecessor on sugar beet yield in short-rotation crop rotations in the western forest-steppe of Ukraine. Plant and Soil Science, 16(4), 24-33. https://doi.org/10.31548/plant4.2025.24
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