Beetroot is quite unpretentious regarding irrigation culture, but still it should receive enough moisture. The size of root crops, their palatability, and productivity depend on this. You can water beets in different ways. Common are water requirements, frequency and intensity of irrigation.
General rules for watering beets
To successfully grow beets, you need to water it properly. General recommendations are as follows:
- use the right water - its temperature, chemical composition, hardness are important;
- in the hot period, water the beets after 6 pm, when the activity of the sun decreases;
- in cold cloudy lengths to water the culture in the evening;
- mulch planting - this reduces the evaporation of moisture and reduces the frequency of watering;
- use spray nozzles, and not spray the culture under pressure;
- too dry land to water in several stages to properly evaluate the result;
- observe watering standards - they are different for each period of cultivation of a crop;
- water the beets regularly, avoiding sudden changes in soil moisture.
In order for watering to be of high quality, you need to properly form the beds. Water should moisturize the roots of the culture, and not spread over the aisles.
Features of watering beets at different stages of its cultivation
Water the beets regularly. The frequency of irrigation depends on the stage of cultivation of the crop:
- the soil must be well moistened before sowing;
- after planting beets in the ground, it is necessary to water it often, but in small portions - the frequency and intensity of irrigation should be oriented to the state of the soil: it should be moistened to the depth of the roots of the crop, 10 l per 1 sq. meter is enough. m every 2 days;
- at the stage of active growth, you need to water the beets 2-3 times a week;
- in early June, water the beets weekly, you can reduce the frequency of watering to once every 1.5 weeks, but increase the water consumption;
- when root crops are poured, it is necessary to water the beets once every 1-1.5 weeks, spending 15 liters per 1 sq. m;
- if the weather is hot, then the water flow should be increased to 20 liters per 1 square. m;
- in early August, watering intensity should be reduced;
- since mid-August, it is not necessary to water the beets anymore, as preparation for the harvest begins, root crops must dry for long-term storage.
The frequency of irrigation depends on the type of soil and its condition. To check it is effective to use a wooden stick, sticking it into the ground in several places. Watering is not required if only the topsoil of 2-3 cm has dried.
It is important to consider the following points as well:
- the appearance of water droplets when pressed on an earthen lump indicates moisture excess, so at least 2 weeks do not need to be watered;
- if the earth sticks to your hands and it is easy to roll it into a ball, then watering is not needed in the coming week;
- if the earth does not stick, in whom it can be collected, but when it falls it does not break, then humidification is sufficient, but watering is necessary in the heat.
With excess moisture, the amount of oxygen in the soil decreases, and its acidity increases. The beet root system suffers, rot begins. High humidity is a favorable environment for the growth and reproduction of pathogenic flora.
Water requirements
The success of growing beets largely depends on the water used for its irrigation. It must meet the following requirements:
- the temperature is similar to the temperature of the environment or soil, too cold water is detrimental to the crop, the optimal performance is 12-23 degrees;
- water, regardless of its source, must settle, which ensures the sedimentation of harmful impurities and the heating of water to the desired temperature;
- water should not be too hard; to soften, you can add wood ash 3 g per liter, peat 100 g per liter or oxalic acid 1 g for every 5 liters.
For watering, water of various origins can be used:
- Rainwater is the best option for irrigation, provided that there are no harmful industries and other negative factors nearby. To collect rainwater use wastewater and clean containers.
- Tap waterif its temperature meets the requirements. If the source is a natural reservoir without treatment facilities, it is recommended to check the chemical composition of such water. It may not be suitable for irrigation due to the presence of pathogenic bacteria or fungi.
- Spring watersaturated with nutrients, effectively used when possible. It is very cold, so it should stand longer for natural heating.
- Salty water used to water beets when she lacks sodium. This can be judged by the reddened leaves. Watering is carried out from a watering can with small holes. To prepare the solution, you need to add a tablespoon of table salt to a 10-liter bucket of water.
Be sure to wait until complete dissolution. Use normal salt without additives. Effectively water the beets with salt water when the roots ripen. This top dressing positively affects the taste characteristics of the crop, increases sugar content and juiciness.
It is allowed to use saline solution no more than 3 times for the entire period. If this agent is abused, the soil will be saline, which is harmful to any plants.
Watering Methods
You can water beets in different ways. Each of them has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
Manual watering
This option is optimal in small areas. It involves the use of a watering can or hose.
It is important to monitor the uniform distribution and pressure of water, watering to finish beyond the borders of the garden so as not to break the plants. When using a watering can, the diameter of the holes on the nozzle is important: for watering the sprouts, they must be small, and for adult plants this condition is not necessary.
It is advisable to use a watering can to water individual beds or for the first time, while the sprouts are not sufficiently strengthened. For adult plants and large areas, a hose is better. A special nozzle must be used so that the jet of water is sprayed.
The disadvantage of manual watering is the effort and time spent on it. The advantage is the possibility of combining watering and top dressing.
Drip irrigation
One of the most effective options for watering not only beets, but also other garden crops. You can purchase a ready-made system or organize it yourself from tubes or hoses. The essence of the method is that the water is constantly portioned onto the ground.
The main disadvantage of drip irrigation is the cost of buying the system. The advantages of this method are greater: the absence of crust on the ground, saving time, effort and water. Drip irrigation is suitable for any type of soil.
Sprinkling
Drops of water on beet leaves are not fraught with diseases, so you can safely resort to sprinkling for irrigation. This method involves the installation of a special system. Mandatory conditions for her work is a high and regular water pressure.
When sprinkling on the ground does not form a crust. The soil is well saturated with moisture, and loosening it is not necessary.
Automatic watering
Watering in this case is provided by special sprinklers. Water inclusion is provided by special timers, in modern systems there are sensors sensitive to the level of humidity.
An automatic irrigation system requires certain costs, therefore it is advisable only in large areas. For its operation, an electric network with a stable voltage is needed.
How to determine that beets need moisture?
It is important to regularly inspect the plantings and monitor the condition of the soil in order to timely identify various problems. You can determine the lack of moisture by whom the earth:
- if the collected lump crumbles during a fall, you need to water the beets;
- if the earth cannot be collected in a lump, it is dry and crumbles, abundant watering is required.
Lack of moisture affects the appearance of plants. They become more sluggish, fade. The beet tops grow smaller, becomes burgundy.
Yellowing of the leaves of the culture also indicates a moisture deficit. They begin to fade and fall. These are only the first signs of a lack of water; in the future, the state of the culture worsens.
Common mistakes when watering beets
When watering beets, they often make the following mistakes:
- the wrong time of day for watering - morning watering in the heat is fraught with burns of tops, and evening watering in the cold period can damage the root system;
- a large number of weeds that take the moisture necessary for beets and nutrients;
- watering with a jet under pressure - the soil is eroded, the roots are exposed, the risk of disease increases;
- the use of low-quality or dirty water, while increasing the risk of disease, the plant may wither and wilt;
- too cold water;
- ignoring loosening - water lingers on the surface and evaporates, the root system does not receive moisture;
- excess moisture - in this case decay begins, various diseases develop, excessive watering before harvesting reduces the duration of its storage and increases the percentage of spoilage;
- moisture deficit, in which the plant can not properly grow and develop.
Properly organized watering of beets and related care for it provide a decent harvest of tasty root crops that can be stored for a long time. Watering method must be selected in accordance with the characteristics of your site. It is important to remember basic water requirements and avoid common mistakes.