Effects of Drip Tape Irrigation on Quantity and Quality of Sugar Beet Yield

In Iran, limited water resources and high potential evaporation have led to limited planting of some corps like sugar beet that have long growing season and high water requirements. Sugar beet is a strategic crop planted in most provinces of Iran and its production is very important in agricultural and industrial aspects. Most of sugar beet farms are irrigated by surface irrigation methods, but the use of drip irrigation can be proposed and developed. This study was based on several researches (specially done in recent years) on using tape drip irrigation systems in sugar beet fields. Results showed that water use efficiency in drip tape irrigation was 1.7 times greater than furrow irrigation. Drip tape irrigation decreased water consumption by 37 - 60 percent. Sowing patterns with 50 x40 cm row spacing and placing each tape for two rows recommended which results in cost reduction of tapes and increased root yields. The increase of yields using tape drip irrigation systems was not significant, but increase of water use efficiency based on root yield and sugar contents was significant (p< 0.01). Water saving with tape systems in fall planting was about two times greater than spring planting. The water stress in root swelling stage was more effective in decreasing of root yield than other growth stages, so using of water stress must not applied by farmers in growth period. Finally, the applicable approach for develop of this system in sugar beet fields is presented.