Beet

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Cover Crop Name:
Beet
Scientific Name:
Beta vulgaris
Growth Season:
Cool Season
Plant Type:
Broadleaf
Life Cycle:
Biennial
Plant Architecture:
Upright and spreading plant architecture
Relative Water Use:
High water use
Salinity Tolerance:
Variable salinity tolerance, depending on beet type
Seeding Depth:
½ – ¾ inch
Crude Protein:
tops 12-15%, root 7-10%
Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio:
tops 11 – 14
Mycorrhizal Association:
Does not form arbuscular mycorrhizal associations
Pollination Type:
Self pollinator (wind)
Nitrogen Scavenger Rating:
Rated ‘good’ at scavenging nitrogen from the soil
Other Notes:
  • Root crop
  • Multiple sub-species including garden beets and sugar beets
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