Environmental Situation and Yield Performance of the Sugar Beet Crop in Germany: Heading for Sustainable Development

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-037x.2003.00035.x
• Publication Date: 2003-07-31T12:46:04Z
• Authors: B. Märländer; C. Hoffmann; H.‐J. Koch; E. Ladewig; R. Merkes; J. Petersen; N. Stockfisch
• Keywords: 2. Zero hunger; 13. Climate action; 11. Sustainability; 0401 agriculture, forestry, and fisheries; 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences; 15. Life on land; 12. Responsible consumption

Abstract The environmental situation and current yield performance of sugar beet production in Germany are described compared to those other European regions. A continuous increase enhanced technical quality have been achieved through progress breeding improvements crop management systems. This rise potential has brought about not by increased intensity, but better use natural resources factors. In Germany, legislation rules many aspects agricultural plant production, special laws force concerning fertilizer use, soil protection, pesticide use. beet, nitrogen decreased greatly may be reduced further some reduction potassium phosphorus does seem appropriate. Conservation tillage contributes protection is already performed on > 100 000 ha land growing beet. Strategies integrated aim reduce the bare minimum. Integrated pest effective control insects, nematodes leaf spot diseases. Pesticide dominated herbicide application. most promising strategy amount active ingredient seems genetically modified herbicide‐tolerant varieties. Possible directions for future research discussed, prospects sustainable development, terms economic, ecological social factors, considered.