Abstract: A scalping apparatus (10) is disclosed including a disc (32) having a circular periphery rotatably mounted upon a pivot post (46) located below and behind the lower surface of the disc (32). The axis (34) of the disc (32) is tilted at an acute angle in the order of 30.degree. from the ground surface and in a vertical plane which extends at a nonparallel angle preferably in the order of 30.degree.-40.degree. from the row (14) of sugar beets being scalped. In the most preferred form, the angular offset of the disc (32) causes the disc (32) to rotate about its axis (34) with the horizontal movement of the apparatus (10) such that rotation of the disc (32) need not be powered. The mount (38) of the disc (32) is adjustably positioned relative to the carriage of a shoe (16) which slides on the sugar beets and vertically moves relative to the ground surface. The trailing edge (22) of the shoe (16) extends at a nonparallel angle preferably in the order of 30.degree.-40.degree.