Influence of the spatial distribution of components on the productivity of sainfoin-cereal grass mixtures under different sowing methods in the conditions of the right-bank Forest-Steppe

Abstract

Purpose. To investigate optimization of the spatial distribution of the component in binary legume-cereal grass mixtures by selecting a complementary composition of the phytocenosis, method of planting perennial grasses to create hay grass stands with Onobrychis arenaria in the right-bank Forest-Steppe. Adequate selection of legume and cereal species in a double-component sowing significantly reduces negative interactions at different stages of ontogenesis, reduces interspecific competition for environmental resources, balances the structure of phytocenosis, increases its productivity and prolongs the productive longevity of sown hayfields. Methods. System analysis, field, seeded haymaking, laboratory, comparative. Results. In the field experiment of the Department of Field Fodder Crops, Hayfields and Pastures, the influence of the spatial distribution of Onobrychis arenaria under various methods of sowing with Bromus inermis, Bromus riparius, Festuca arundinacea and Phleum pratense on the yield of dry matter, feed units, metabolic energy, and supply of fodder protein with digestible grass protein of the grass mass (phytomass) of double-component sainfoin-cereal grass mixtures of hay use is studied. It is established that, compared with the conventional mixed method of sowing sainfoin with different types of cereal components, on average for three years of using grass stands, the highest yield of dry matter, feed units, and metabolic energy was obtained under cross and cross-row sowing methods. Conclusions. The influence of the spatial distribution of Onobrychis arenaria and cereal grasses on the formation of grass stands and the productivity of grass mass is substantiated. The prospects of cross and cross-row methods of sowing binary sainfoin-cereal grass mixtures are outlined. This placement of legume and cereal components contributed to a decrease in interspecific competition for environmental resources, balancing the structure of the phytocenosis, increasing its productivity and the quality of grass mass and prolonging the productive longevity of the seeded hayfield in conditions of the right-bank Forest-Steppe.