ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF MAIZE CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE TRANS-URALS REGION

Abstract

Maise is a promising crop that stabilises crop production in the arid climatic conditions of the Trans-Urals region. To obtain maise feed in this region, especially given the short frost-free period, earlymaturing hybrids are cultivated, and technologies that allow for stable yields are used, typically intensive ones that involve active weed control (which is particularly relevant for row crops) and optimisation of the plant nutrition system. With the systematic increase in the prices of production inputs, primarily herbicides, mineral fertilisers, and fuel and lubricants, it is essential to consider the economic efficiency of technologies in specific conditions. This research aims to provide an economic assessment of various intensity levels of maise cultivation technologies in the Trans-Urals region under modern market conditions and establish economically efficient weed control methods. A comparison of productivity and economic indicators for extensive, regular, and intensive technologies was presented against three primary soil tillage methods: ploughing, minimal, and no primary (autumn) tillage. Comprehensive measures for protecting maise from weeds at different levels of soil tillage minimisation were shown. The economic efficiency of maise cultivation technologies was calculated at 2008 and 2022 prices. It was found that due to the faster rise in prices of chemical inputs compared to fuel and lubricant prices, the economic efficiency of mechanical weed control methods for maise is increasing. Despite a significant increase in fertiliser prices, their application under maise remains highly efficient, confirming the economic advantage of intensive technologies over extensive ones.