‘Be careful when building clamps’ – BBRO issues advice for sugar beet growers

BBRO experts said that minimising root breakage when harvesting is key to avoiding accelerated sugar losses.  

The average sugar beet clamp loss rates are usually at 0.1% of total sugar volume/day but in poorly harvested and handled crops sugar loss can be three to four times greater.  

Losses will be even greater where temperatures are above 10°C. Some clamps have been pushed excessively high over recent weeks, leading to severe root rotting. BBRO advises growers to make sure there is someone regularly checking on the condition of beet at the clamp. 

Guideline to minimise sugar losses

• When planning a Maus clamp, calculate the estimated tonnage and length, to avoid overspill into unsuitable areas
• Choose a firm, well-drained site which will be suitable for loading and unloading
• Clamps should be built in an open area to aid ventilation and cooling
• Never push beet up the face of the clamp. This will damage beet, compact the clamp and restrict air movement, allowing heat to build-up and increase rate of sugar loss. 

See BBRO’s harvester assessment guide for its three-step guide to assessing harvesting losses to help maximise yields and returns. 

Water-logged crops  

Sugar beet, like many crops, has an ability to withstand water logging for a short period of time. The amount of time that the crop is underwater is key, as this will affect the extent of anaerobic conditions the roots are exposed to, BBRO experts pointed out.  

They added: “After this time there is an increased risk of ‘hypoxia’ in plants leading to cell death.  

There is no precise critical period that roots remain unaffected, as temperature, soil sediment levels, and soil structure (soil aeration) will have an influence, but the crop should be able to tolerate 5-7 days underwater.  

“Do not clamp waterlogged crops for any longer than necessary.” 

Read more sugar beet news.