There are several benefits of applying Agriculture Liming Material (ALM) or Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) in a sugarbeet rotation, especially on fields with a history of Aphanomyces root rot. Research conducted by North Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota observed the influence of 3-ton per acre and 10-ton per acre applications of PCC on sugarbeet fields with known infestations of Aphanomyces. Each lime rate increased the soil pH and improved the sugarbeet plant health, however the research indicated that pH neutralization may be quicker and the benefit to a reduction in Aphanomyces pressure may last longer from the 10-ton per acre rate versus the 3-ton per acre rate. Specific data from this research can be found in the Sugarbeet Research and Education Board Reports. Below are links to two of these research articles.
For safety, PCC Drivers must follow the route defined below. The sign located in the East Scale House and the main factory scale will both indicate either loading at the PIT or PLANT.
When loading at the pit, all trucks will enter and leave on the pit road from 260th Street.
When loading in the plant, all trucks will enter the plant haul road just north of the railroad tracks on 260th Street. Trucks entering the plant should follow signs and turn right just after passing the fence when entering the factory grounds. This road will lead trucks up towards the lime screenings pile. This road has adequate space to allow trucks to line up and stay in order while waiting to be loaded. Once trucks are loaded, exit on the haul road on the north side of the railroad tracks.
SMBSC complies with all the laws of the state of Minnesota including those pertaining to the legal load limits. Our policy requires any overloaded truck be sent back to unload (or transload) a sufficient portion of their lading to bring the overall gross vehicle weight to a level compliant with the law. No products of any type may be offloaded by the road or on the scale. Weight documentation (a weight ticket) will not be issued until the vehicle’s load complies with legal requirements.
To save time, urge your drivers to comply prior to coming to the scale for their outbound weight.
All visitors to SMBSC are required to wear the following PPE while on SMBSC property:
Your cooperation and adherence to the rules are required and help support a safe workplace.
As the producer of AgLime from processing sugarbeets, SMBSC provides an environmentally sound product that reduces the impacts of mining and conserves valuable resources. This is a by-product and is subject to variations in ENP and moisture that our users should consider when applying to fields. Our AgLime is occasionally stored on fields in preparation for post-harvest spreading and incorporation. Field storage is an acceptable management approach and as producers we have stewardship responsibilities to provide some guidance regarding pile location.
AgLime derived from sugarbeet processing is moist and has some residuals that can cause odors when placed in a pile. The material is composed of uniform fine particles that maybe dispersed by strong winds or rain run off. For these reasons, SMBSC suggests that the location of a field storage pile be selected to minimize the impact on adjacent residences, schools, churches, hospitals, parks and playgrounds as well as wetlands, shorelines and waterways/ditches. SMBSC recommends the following setbacks as best management practices:
As a user of our AgLime product, your consideration for our neighbors and our environment is deeply appreciated.
