Hyperspectral analysis of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) response to different potassium fertilization levels for sustainable crop production

Sugar beet is an economically important crop, and optimizing potassium (K) fertilization is essential for improving productivity, particularly in sandy soils. In this study, we evaluated the effects of five potassium rates (0, 39.5, 79.1, 118.6, and 158.1 kg K ha−1) on sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) growth, yield, and canopy spectral response under field conditions. Two consecutive seasons (2023/2024 and 2024/2025) were conducted at the National Research Centre experimental farm, El-Behaira, Egypt, using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Canopy reflectance (350–1100 nm) was measured using an ASD FieldSpec, and vegetation indices (NDVI, CRI1, ARI1, PSRI, and SIPI) were derived to characterize plant physiological status. Potassium application significantly improved agronomic traits and spectral indicators compared with the control, with 118.6 kg K ha−1 providing the most consistent and efficient response across seasons. By improving yield stability and nutrient use efficiency, the proposed potassium management strategy contributes to improving sugar beet productivity and nutrient management efficiency under arid and semi-arid conditions. The combined use of field spectroscopy and conventional growth measurements offers a practical approach for identifying suitable potassium rates and supporting more efficient nutrient management in sandy soil environments.

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