"If you can afford a mistake when treating sunflower, sugar beet — never. It won’t forgive you."
A crop that doesn’t forgive mistakes — that’s how agronomists describe sugar beet. It is highly sensitive to plant density, soil quality, mechanical damage, and… lack of precision during treatment. In this presentation, the AGRONIX team at the Sugar World 2025 sugar conference shares everything you need to know about how agro drones are changing the game in beet fields.
We frequently speak at agricultural events and universities across Ukraine. Each lecture revolves around agro drones, application methods, AGRONIX’s experience, economics, safety, and training. However, every session has its own perspective, focus points, and value.
Below is a brief overview of what you will learn from this presentation. Enjoy watching!
Why Is Sugar Beet a Special Challenge?
It is one of the most demanding and challenging crops to grow:
- has a high need for nutrients;
- is sensitive to overplanting or gaps;
- requires strict precision in pesticide application;
- is highly sensitive to soil compaction and root damage.
"With sugar beet, everything is visible. If a drone applies unevenly — it instantly shows in the field. So to speak, a
Traditional Machinery: Why Doesn’t It Work?
When applying with wheeled sprayers, especially over young seedlings, there is a high risk of:
- trampling rows, even with narrow booms;
- compacting the interrow space, reducing aeration and nutrient access;
- treatment delays when moisture prevents entry into the field.
Agro Drones: How Do They Save the Situation?
Key advantages for sugar beet:
- Application without physical contact with the soil → zero trampling;
- Ability to treat at any growth stage of the crop;
- Precise coverage via RTK or GPS routes, avoiding skips;
- Lower spray volume (8–10 L/ha) → reduced logistical costs for water;
- Micro-droplet dispersion → better plant coverage.
"With sugar beet, you can tell who’s been in the field. And if it was an agro drone — it’s a sight you’ll be glad to see."
Numbers That Speak for Themselves
AGRONIX has treated over 125,000 hectares of various crops, including sugar beet. And what’s important — the number of beet farms turning to drones is steadily growing.
In this case, the following real figures were mentioned:
- Profitability of drone application increases due to the absence of yield losses;
- A 3–5% reduction in trampled area results in a 3–5% profit gain — for sugar beet, this can mean tens of thousands of hryvnias per 100 hectares;
- Water usage reduced by 20–25 times — the drone needs only 10 L/ha instead of 200–250.
What Do They Say About Product Effectiveness?
Under properly selected humidity and temperature conditions, drones are on par with traditional machinery in terms of:
- effectiveness of pesticide action;
- treatment precision;
- and most importantly — preserving yield potential.
"Drone operation is not just a matter of technology. It’s a matter of proper planning, weather conditions, and experience. And we already have that experience."
Who Works with Sugar Beet?
Most often — large farms or sugar holdings that carefully calculate costs and are not willing to tolerate even a few percent in losses.
"Sugar beet is like litmus paper. If a service company can handle beet, it means they’re true professionals."
Conclusion: Who Is This Information For?
This presentation is about a challenge — and how modern technologies turn that challenge into an opportunity.
- For farmers growing sugar beet and aiming to reach a new level of precision;
- For students dreaming of working on the front line of agtech;
- For businesses seeking a reliable partner for application services.
"Agro drones are not a trend. They are the answer to the demands of precision farming. And sugar beet proves it best."
Want to learn more about training or ordering application services? AGRONIX is always in touch. And yes, we work with sugar beet.
