Fodder beet yield

The potential of Jerusalem artichoke as a feedstock for ethanol production has been assessed in many countries in recent years. In New Zealand, for instance, Jerusalem artichoke gave the highest potential ethanol yield (calculated from known crop yields and fermentable content) of a range of crops assessed. From three harvests of the tops a year, estimated ethanol production was 78 It-1 and 11,230 1-ha-1. Although fodder beet (Beta vulgaris L.) remains a favored feedstock for ethanol production in New Zealand, Jerusalem artichoke has been recommended for further study (Judd, 2003). 

In Britain the main root crops (turnips, swedes and fodder beet) were important feeds for ruminants in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. They gave high yields in unfavourable environments and could be stored for the duration of the winter. Increasing use of silages for winter feeding has reduced the importance of root crops. By 2007 the area in Britain devoted to these crops had declined to 140 000 ha 997 166 000 ha). 

Like sugar beet, fodder beet can produce a substantial yield (about lOt/ha) of tops which can also be fed to livestock. These have a low energy content but much higher crude protein (<15%) than the roots. Some sheep farmers feed them to lambs before harvesting the roots. Alternatively they can be fed in the field after harvesting is complete and, normally, after wilting to reduce the soluble oxalate content which may cause scouring. 

As shown in Table 18.2, there is a significant difference in dry matter yield and energy contem when comparing mangels with fodder beet. Very few mangel crops are now growa... 

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