Amaranth yield depending on the sowing rate

Abstract

The main value of amaranth lies in its ability to accumulate a large amount of protein in its seeds and leaves. With a seed protein content of 15-18%, amaranth surpasses wheat (12-14%), rice (7-10%), maize (9-10%), and other grain crops. The purpose of this study was to establish the optimal seed sowing rates for amaranth under the conditions of the Western Ukrainian Forest-Steppe zone. The study employed general scientific methods such as analysis, synthesis, experimentation, description, observation, and comparison, as well as field methods like phenological observations and record-keeping, along with statistical and correlation-regression analyses for data processing. The sowing rates of the variety Kharkivskyi 1 were investigated under conditions of sufficient moisture on dark-grey forest soil. It was found that the field germination varied with different sowing rates. At a sowing rate of 0.2 million seeds/ha, the field uniformity was 70%, but it decreased to 60% at a sowing rate of 1.2 million seeds/ha, representing a 10% decrease. Higher sowing rates resulted in greater plant density. In the seedling stage, there were 14 plants per 0.2 million seeds/ha sowing rate, while at 1.2 million seeds/ha, the number of plants increased to 72/m². Plant survival during the vegetation period sharply decreased with increased planting density, from 86% at a sowing rate of 0.2 million seeds/ha to 45% at a sowing rate of 1.2 million seeds/ha. Therefore, before harvesting, the plant density was adjusted to 12-32 plants/m². The best combination of the main elements of the structure was found to be 21 plants/m² and 26 plants/m², with a grain weight per plant of 20.4g and 16.1g, respectively. The highest grain yield of amaranth variety Kharkivskyi 1 was obtained at sowing rates of 0.4 million seeds/ha and 0.6 million seeds/ha, resulting in 4.28 t/ha and 4.20 t/ha, respectively. Any increase or decrease in sowing rates led to a decrease in the yield level. The results of this study can be used for further establishment and improvement of the main elements of amaranth cultivation technology by both scientific institutions and agricultural farms