Any type of lick material, is best if it is mixed into the soil. Blocks will leach into the ground as they lick and rain allows it to disolve. Crushed beets or any powder type, is best mixed with creek or pond water and poured into a depression made in the ground.
With what we put out, we had no idea how the deer would take to it, so just poured it around the licks, not mixing it into the soil. It was amazing at how they took to it though. We have looked at the possibilty of adding some sugar beets to some of the food plots we do, but haven't done it as yet.
Keep us informed as to how it works for you.