Since 1994, data on sugarbeet production in Germany are continuously collected in annual cultivation surveys based on the information from the German sugar factories. Because of the long-term data set, many developments over the last years as well as short-term adaptations could be described. Cereals, particularly winter wheat, are the main pre-crop before sugarbeet (50%), followed by maize. Intercrops have been cultivated on 40% of the sugarbeet area since the beginning of the survey. The use of reduced systems increased in soil cultivation. The soil is covered by intercrops or pre-crop residues on more than 65% of the sugarbeet area. Since 2006, an increase in nitrogen fertilization was observed. Organic fertilizer was applied on 50% of the sugarbeet area. Crop production, from sowing to harvesting is characterized by an increase in technical specialization. The survey is conducted in cooperation with the farmers, or by specialized contractors. The beets are harvested mainly with six-row harvesters and transported increasingly with semi-trailer trucks.
