Organic matter for the quality and health of sugar beet

Within cropping systems, sugar beet plays a strategic role in rotations, improving soil structure thanks to its well‑developed root system. The extensive leaf canopy also contributes to soil cover, limiting erosion and nutrient losses—an aspect that is increasingly important in integrated production standards.

In recent years, areas devoted to sugar beet have shown a fluctuating trend. At national level, in 2024 the cultivated area was estimated at around 30,000 hectares, about 25% higher than in 2023, signalling renewed interest from growers. In 2025, however, areas decreased due to adverse weather conditions and spring flooding, which in many cases prevented sowing. Market volatility also contributed to this contraction.

Outlooks for 2026–2027 suggest a possible stabilisation of cultivated areas, driven by sugar prices, supply‑chain contracts, regional incentives and the increasing valorisation of certified production (Sqnpi and organic), which allow price premiums at delivery. The Italian beet–sugar supply chain has strongly embraced this scheme, converting a growing share of acreage over just a few years and aiming to certify all national sugar as Sqnpi or organic.

The Italian beet–sugar supply chain supplies the sugar industry, as well as specific segments such as specialty sugars, ingredients for the food and beverage industry, and products destined for green chemistry and the bioeconomy. In this context, fertilisation plays a key role in modulating yield, sugar content and juice purity—parameters that directly affect the value recognised to growers in supply contracts.

Among the most critical “non‑sugars” is nitrogen in its various chemical forms. Excess availability of nitrogen in the field, especially at late stages, tends to increase these undesirable fractions, reducing juice purity and the price paid to growers.

Compacted soils or those subject to prolonged waterlogging hinder proper root development and favour the onset of fungal diseases (Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, Pythium).

Overly light soils poor in organic matter expose the crop to water and nutritional stress, negatively affecting root yield and calibre uniformity—key aspects from an industrial perspective.

The availability of organic matter in the soil is a central factor for sugar beet yield, as it improves structure, porosity, cation exchange capacity and biological activity, enhancing nutrient use efficiency, particularly of potassium, which is essential for °Brix accumulation and resistance to environmental stresses.

Nitrogen is the most delicate nutrient to manage, as it strongly influences vegetative development, dry matter production and sugar content; however, if supplied in excess or too late, it can impair technological quality by increasing non‑sugars, as previously highlighted.

Phosphorus is essential in the early stages for root system development and rapid seedling growth, especially in cold soils. Where possible, localised or early fertilisation is recommended to ensure nutrient availability near the seed and young roots, maximising efficiency.

Potassium plays a role in water regulation, sugar synthesis and resistance to abiotic stresses, and is particularly important in dry seasons or on light soils.

Alongside macronutrients, sugar beet may show sensitivity to deficiencies of meso‑ and micronutrients such as sulphur, boron, magnesium and iron, especially on highly calcareous soils or those with high pH. In such cases, the use of organo‑mineral fertilisers containing these elements or targeted foliar applications helps prevent physiological disorders and quality losses, maintaining high photosynthetic efficiency and sugar accumulation.

For phosphorus and potassium management as well, regional guidelines often recommend prioritising slow‑release or organic‑based fertilisers to improve nutrient use efficiency and safeguard long‑term soil fertility.

Biocomplex 6.8.12 also promotes intense microbial activity in the soil and, thanks to the presence of free amino acids with biostimulant action in synergy with humic acids, enables a rapid recovery of root activity even under unfavourable conditions, such as thermal stress. Particularly important is the presence of potassium, which positively affects yield and quality, enhancing plant resistance to water and heat stress and sugar production. Biocomplex 6.8.12 also contains magnesium, calcium, sulphur and numerous micronutrients, including iron, manganese, boron, copper and zinc. Finally, its use helps increase soil water‑holding capacity and cation exchange capacity, reducing the risk of nutrient leaching.

Superprimo 9.20 allows, in a single application, the supply of a mineral fraction containing nitrogen and phosphorus together with a high amount of highly humified organic matter. The organic matrix of Superprimo 9.20 consists of a blend of manures (cattle and poultry) and animal proteins that are transformed and partially hydrolysed. This mixture maximises the protection of nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as calcium, sulphur and zinc, improving nutrient efficiency of the fertiliser and allowing a reduction in applied fertiliser units while maintaining the same results. Superprimo 9.20 is particularly suitable for fertilising all crops where stimulation of root system development is required.