Shorter season options through transplanted fodder beet

Abstract

Fodder beet has distinct benefits such as high yield potential, excellent feed quality (especially metabolisable energy), and suitability for cool temperate climates. Production area has recently increased dramatically in New Zealand, primarily for non-lactating cow feed during winter but increasingly for other animals and times of the year.\n\nCurrently, establishing fodder beet requires intensive land cultivation and precision sowing of pelleted seed. It is generally regarded as a difficult crop to grow successfully. Competition from early season weeds means that multiple herbicide applications are commonly applied. Delaying the sowing date, until soil temperatures have risen enough for germination, limits the flexibility of this crop within farm rotations.\n\nTransplanting is a plant establishment technique common in both forestry and vegetable crops. It simplifies establishment and reduces the risk of poor establishment.\n\nHere we demonstrate that transplanting of fodder beet can be conducted successfully with low variability observed within the transplanted crop. Individual root volume and dry matter content are similar, whether crops are precision-drilled or transplanted. Our results suggest that transplanting is a financially feasible option for fodder beet establishment.