Purpose

Large quantities of byproducts are produced from beet sugar industry causing deleterious environmental pollution. This study aimed to evaluate the surface and foliar application of molasses and vinasses as an eco-innovative amendment and nutritional supplements on sugar beet yield and quality.

Methods

The yield and root juice quality of two sugar beet varieties were evaluated for two growing seasons under nine fertilization and soil amendment application treatments.

Results

Application of molasses to the soil has significantly promoted root yield, with the highest root yield resulting from the application of 360 L ha⁻¹ of molasses to the soil. Likewise, the highest values of sucrose content, quality index (QZ)%, recoverable sugar (RS) % and recoverable sugar yield were produced from the application of 360 L ha⁻¹ of molasses. Moreover, the lowest Na%, K% and α-amino N% values in both varieties resulted from the surface application of 360 L ha⁻¹ molasses. Compared to the control treatment, applying 360 L ha⁻¹ of molasses improved the available N, P and K as well as the organic matter, calcium and magnesium contents in the soil.

Conclusions

Beet sugar molasses could be applied to the soil surface as a soil amendment and a substitute for the application of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. Molasses is a promising eco-friendly soil amendment that greatly enhances sugar beet productivity and biofortification by improving the physical and chemical properties of the soil.