Crop Cultivation Technologies Research Articles

Influence of cultivation technologies of agricultural crops with the use of machines and tools of domestic and foreign production for the dry area of the South of Russia

The problems of improving the tillage systems and crop cultivation technologies are of particular relevance both in terms of energy savings and, in general, resource conservation. The article describes various tillage systems using machines and implements of domestic and foreign production for the arid zone of southern Russia. The initial position in the development of cultivation technology of crops are agroecological requirements of the crop and variety to the growing conditions. Sequential overcoming of factors that reduce crop yields and product quality allows us to form the most optimal growing technology for specific climatic conditions of the economy. The article describes the tillage systems - moldboard, resource-saving using domestic tillage equipment, resource-based on foreign technology and recommended using combined technology, which has different effects on the conservation and accumulation of productive moisture. With the moldboard tillage, these indicators are the smallest, and resource-saving systems give approximately the same results when determining the stock of productive moisture in all phases of crop development. Different tillage systems for crop rotation affect the agrophysical indicators of fertility - aggregate composition, water strength, structural coefficient to the same extent. Moldboard tillage system causes the lowest density of soil in the cultivation of crop rotation in comparison with various resource-saving systems, as for the porosity of the soil, in most cases, these indicators of large values are marked by moldboard tillage. Resource-saving tillage systems significantly complicate the phytosanitary situation in the cultivation of crop rotation in comparison with the moldboard tillage system.

A Set of Economic and Mathematical Models for Assessment of Agricultural Crop Cultivation Technologies

Research objectives. The paper describes the process of development of a set of mathematical models for assessment of agricultural production technologies to be used as the basis of a software complex module for managing technological processes in crop farming. The reported study was funded by RFBR according to the research project № 18-37-00148. Methods. Given the specifics of management in agriculture, it is worth noting that the lack of objective information across the production cycle in crop farming and the subsequent misalignment with an optimum technology results in overshooting labour and material costs, lost profits for the enterprise or even losses. These issues have to be addressed through advanced studies of economic and mathematical models and methods for analysis and assessment of economic efficiency of agricultural crop cultivation technologies and the development of a comprehensive automated information support system for decision-making in crop farming management. Results. A methodology is proposed for selecting economically efficient technological processes in crop farming, involving the sequential application of results obtained through the analysis of technological process criteria by the methods of binary decision matrices, cobweb diagrams and the matrix assessment model, taking into account their orientation at the economic performance of crop farming. Practical significance and applicability of results. The authors developed a complex of software and information support and assessment of technological processes in crop farming, with experimental trials showing improved efficiency of crop farming production through the well-reasoned selection of agricultural crop cultivation technologies.

Applications of Photonics in Agriculture Sector: A Review.

The agricultural industry has made a tremendous contribution to the foundations of civilization. Basic essentials such as food, beverages, clothes and domestic materials are enriched by the agricultural industry. However, the traditional method in agriculture cultivation is labor-intensive and inadequate to meet the accelerating nature of human demands. This scenario raises the need to explore state-of-the-art crop cultivation and harvesting technologies. In this regard, optics and photonics technologies have proven to be effective solutions. This paper aims to present a comprehensive review of three photonic techniques, namely imaging, spectroscopy and spectral imaging, in a comparative manner for agriculture applications. Essentially, the spectral imaging technique is a robust solution which combines the benefits of both imaging and spectroscopy but faces the risk of underutilization. This review also comprehends the practicality of all three techniques by presenting existing examples in agricultural applications. Furthermore, the potential of these techniques is reviewed and critiqued by looking into agricultural activities involving palm oil, rubber, and agro-food crops. All the possible issues and challenges in implementing the photonic techniques in agriculture are given prominence with a few selective recommendations. The highlighted insights in this review will hopefully lead to an increased effort in the development of photonics applications for the future agricultural industry.

ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ ПОЛИВИДОВОГО АГРОФИТОЦЕНОЗА МНОГОЛЕТНИХ ТРАВ ПРИ ПРИМЕНЕНИИ СТИМУЛЯТОРОВ РОСТА

The purpose of the research is the formation of mixed hay-pasture grass-based costretsa; the application of growth stimulants in the Middle Volga region forest-steppe conditions. Growth stimulants use for plant growing along with other agrotechnical methods of intensive technologies of crop cultivation is absolutely relevant and advantageous method of increasing the productive efficiency. The studies were conducted by the fodder crop rotation laboratory staff of The Department of plant growing and agriculture of the Samara State Agricultural Academy on the base of field experience, taking into account the technical tips for field experiments with fodder crops. The article stipulates the results of studies taking into account the period between 2015-2018, with the assessment of seed quality, seed-ling emergence, plant height and overhead weight gain. The study of the herbage on the basis of the Awnless brome showed that good indicators of herbage formation parameters are achieved with bean components use. The best option Awnless brome + Smooth brome + Hungarian sainfoin, but mixture Awnless brome + Smooth brome + Alfalfa Sinegibridnaya provides herbage quality as well. Observations showed that the growth of culm in height occurs gradually from the beginning of vegetation (the grass tillering phase and branching in legumes) to the phase of fruit formation; the more components in the grass mixture, the higher its productivity. The use of rosta stim-ulants (Gumi 20M and Growth Matrix) leads to change in the parameters of herbage and the accumulation of over-head mass. The highest rates are observed in the phase of fruit formation with the maximum values in the grass-mixtures with bean components.

Effect of amino acid biostimulant on the yield and nutraceutical potential of soybean

Advancement in crop cultivation technologies strives to increase the yield and improve the quality of crops under minimized threats posed to the natural environment. Application of biostimulants is a treatment which increases crop yield and quality particularly after plants exposure to stress conditions. The objective of the work was to determine changes in yield and nutraceutical potential of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) ‘Atlanta’ after application of biostimulant. A field experiment was conducted in three growing seasons (2014-2016). Terra Sorb Complex biostimulant was applied in the growing season in the form of single or double spraying in two concentrations (0.3% and 0.5%). Number of biostimulant applications and its concentration modified yield and quality of crop and also the nutraceutical and antioxidative potential of soybean. Foliar application of biostimulant improved yield of soybean (increased by 25% compared to the control) without any negative effect on the nutritive value of seeds. The application of biostimulant increased (compared to the control) number of pods and seeds (32%), plant height (38%), phenolic content (34%), flavonoids content (74%), and reducing power (210%). Taking into account biometric traits of soybean plants, positive effects were observed in the case of single biostimulant applications with lower concentration. The conducted study demonstrated a significant increase in the soybean yield and antioxidant potential after double application of the tested biostimulant at higher concentration. On the other hand, total fat and protein content was higher in plants treated once with a lower product concentration.

Leaf area index of sweet corn (Zea mays ssp. saccharata L.) crops depending on cultivation technology in the drip-irrigated conditions of the south of Ukraine

The paper presents the results of the study dedicated to the investigation of sweet corn leaf apparatus growth and development in dependence to the crop cultivation technology elements, viz. depth of plowing, mineral fertilizers application doses, plants density, in the drip-irrigated conditions of the South of Ukraine. The field trials were carried out during three years (2014-2016) by using the split-plot design method in four replications with accordance to the modern requirements of the experimental work in agronomy. The results of the study showed the significant effect of all the studied agro technological treatments on the crop leaf apparatus. The highest Leaf Area Index (LAI) that averaged to 3.72 was obtained under moldboard plowing at the depth of 20-22 cm, fertilization with N120P120, and plants density of 80000 ha-1. The total amplitude of fluctuation of LAI averaged to 2.42. Increased plowing depth improved LAI of sweet corn only under the non-fertilized conditions, however, increased fertilizers doses and thickening of the crops positively affected the studied bio-metric index.

Management of Economically Important Insect Pests of Millet

AbstractGrain of various species of millet is a staple food of rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and China. In addition, millet is used as poultry and cattle feed in the United States, and the foliage is fodder for cattle in India. The crop is damaged by at least 150 insect pests during its growth and development. Although the current status of all of these pests is not known, shoot flies, stem borers, leaf-sucking, and the panicle-attacking insects are considered economically important. Control measures include the application of synthetic pesticides (as both seed treatment and foliar applications) and cultural methods (timing of planting and field sanitation). Host plant resistance (screening of genotypes and breeding of pest-tolerant/resistant cultivars), and biological control (conservation of natural enemies and periodical releases of the larval parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor) have received much attention in recent years. Integrating available pest control options has been recommended, along with further adoption of new crop cultivation technologies by small and resource-poor farmers.

Efficiency application of different technologies cultivation by crops

Purpose. Improving the efficiency of crop production by reducing costs through rational selection of cultivation technology. Methods. Monographic, statistical, economic and mathematical methods were used. Results. The results of the analysis of the preconditions and comparison of the economic efficiency of the application of different technologies for growing crops are presented. The cost structure for using different crop cultivation technologies for model farming (2700 ha) has been determined. The cost of growing winter wheat by various technologies is also calculated. Conclusions. The results of the calculations show that the use of No-till technology provides savings of almost 2 times compared to differentiated technology, with investments per hectare of sown area to be 8.84 thousand UAH. Achieving the highest economic effect is possible only in the case of strict adherence to crop rotation, timely complete implementation of technological operations. Keywords: system of crop rotation, yield, minimum, differentiated and No-till technology, economic effect.

Спосіб оцінювання технологій вирощування пшениці озимої за впливом на родючість ґрунтів

У статті запропоновано спосіб оцінювання технології за інтенсивністю її негативного впливу на показники родючості ґрунту: сильний (відхилення від оптимуму в сторону погіршення перевищує 50 %), середній (відхилення від оптимуму в сторону погіршення більше 25 %, але не перевищує 50 %), помірний (відхилення від оптимуму в сторону погіршення більше 10 %, але не перевищує 25 %), відсутній (відхилення від оптимуму в сторону погіршення не перевищує 10 %). Спосіб дозволяє виявити негативні впливи технології на стан ґрунту та прийняти обґрунтоване рішення щодо її вдосконалення або заборони в конкретних ґрунтово-кліматичних умовах. Дослідження проведено в умовах польових стаціонарних дослідів, які знаходилися у зоні Полісся, Лісостепу та Степу України. Досліджували базову технологію вирощування пшениці озимої та технології з внесенням мінеральних і органічних добрив у різних комбінаціях з врахуванням ґрунтово-кліматичних умов розташування дослідів. За використання розробленого способу встановлено, що в умовах Полісся, Лісостепу і Степу України технології вирощування пшениці озимої призводять до виснаження ґрунтів на обмінні форми калію. В умовах чорноземів типових малогумусних та чорноземів опідзолених середньосуглинкових спостерігалося погіршення кислотно-основних умов ґрунтів. В умовах Степу, поряд з калійним режимом, технології негативно впливали на азотний режим грунту – відбувалося виснаження запасів рухомих сполук азоту. Для уникнення деградації грунтів технології вирощування пшениці озимої мають вдосконалюватися у частині системи удобрення рослин, відповідно до встановлених негативних процесів. У подальшому потребують розроблення методи оцінювання технологій вирощування пшениці за показниками впливу на процеси акумуляції та міграції хімічних речовин грунту.

Scientific basis for optimizing plant nutrition in modern farming systems

The article considers the main ecological aspects of the application of fertilizers. New crop cultivation technologies are based on the use of various types of fertilizers. Optimal nutrition of plant organisms, combined with rational increase in the efficiency of fertilizer application and reduction of environmental pollution by chemical products, will increase the yield and improve the quality of agricultural products. directions of optimization of nutrition, ways to achieve stabilization of the organic carbon content in the soil and its subsequent increase.

Biodiversity of weed communities in common wheat and spelt following various forecrops

Environmentally-friendly solutions are increasingly often applied in crop cultivation technologies. These include, among others, the return of old crops (e.g., spelt wheat) and crop rotation. Ensuring a proper forecrop is essential, especially in the cultivation of winter wheat, which is susceptible to infestation by weeds. However, there is only sparse information on infestation by weeds in the cultivation of winter spelt. In this study, it was assumed that this crop is invaded by weeds to a lesser extent than wheat, especially after unfavorable forecrops. The study was based on a field experiment conducted in the east part of Poland. The aim was to compare the weed infestation of common wheat and spelt wheat grown after peas, oilseed rape, and after itself. Analyses of weed infestation were conducted in 2014–2016. The weed species composition and population size were determined as well as their dry weight. The following indices were calculated: index of species richness, Simpson’s domination index, Shannon–Wiener index of species diversity, and Pielou’s index of evenness. The weed infestation of spelt wheat was higher than that of common wheat during the tillering stage. It was similar in both species during the heading stage. The lowest weed infestation in both cereals was observed on a field where peas had grown. Growing after oilseed rape and after themselves contributed to an increase in weed infestation. Biomass of weeds in a field of spelt was similar after all forecrops, unlike that in wheat, where more biomass was observed after oilseed rape and wheat. A greater share of <em>Apera spica-venti</em> and <em>Viola arvensis</em> was observed in common wheat and spelt grown after oilseed rape and after themselves. Weed communities in spelt were more diverse than in wheat. The forecrops did not differentiate the species diversity in either crop.

Modification of Growth, Yield, and the Nutraceutical and Antioxidative Potential of Soybean Through the Use of Synthetic Biostimulants.

Improvement of crop cultivation technologies is focused on increasing crop productivity and improving yield quality, and at the same time on minimizing risks posed to the natural environment. The use of biostimulants contributes to the increase in the productivity of plants, especially under their exposure to stress induced by negative environmental stimuli. A field experiment was conducted in three growing seasons (2014–2016). Seeds of soybean of the Atlanta cultivar were sown in the third decade of April. Two synthetic biostimulants were used in the growing period in the form of single (stage BBCH 13-15) or double (stage BBCH 13-15, BBCH 61) spraying: Atonik (in concentrations of 0.1 and 0.2%) and Tytanit (in concentrations of 0.07 and 0.13%). Atonik, the first tested biostimulant, contained three phenolic compounds: sodium p-nitrophenolate, sodium o-nitrophenolate, and sodium 5-nitroguaiacolate. The Tytanit preparation contained a titanium complex, magnesium oxide, and sulfur (VI) oxide. This work presents a complex study addressing the action of the biostimulants Atonik and Tytanit and demonstrates their effect on the physiological traits, plant productivity, and seed yield quality of Glycine max L. The conducted experiment proved that the biostimulant type, as well as the number of its applications and its concentration, modified the biometric traits, crop productivity, as well as yield quality and the nutraceutical and antioxidative potential of soybean seeds. It was also found that by positively affecting plant growth and seed yield, the Atonik and Tytanit also resulted biostimulants decreased the protein and lipid contents in seeds. A double application of these preparations in their higher concentrations had a more positive impact on soybean seed number and soybean seed yield. The use of both Atonik and Tytanit resulted also in an increased antioxidative activity of soybean seeds. The greatest increase in this activity was observed after the application of the Tytanit preparation. Dietary fiber fraction analysis demonstrated an increase in the acid-detergent fiber, lignin, and cellulose contents in soybean seeds as a result of biostimulant application; however, the increase was greater upon the use of Tytanit. In contrast, the neutral-detergent fiber, cellulose, and hemicellulose contents were observed to decrease in all analyzed combinations of crops treated with the tested preparations.

УРОЖАЙНІСТЬ ПШЕНИЦІ ОЗИМОЇ ЗАЛЕЖНО ВІД СИСТЕМ ОСНОВНОГО ОБРОБІТКУ ҐРУНТУ ТА УДОБРЕННЯ

УРОЖАЙНІСТЬ ПШЕНИЦІ ОЗИМОЇ ЗАЛЕЖНО ВІД СИСТЕМ ОСНОВНОГО ОБРОБІТКУ ҐРУНТУ ТА УДОБРЕННЯ

THE USE OF GREEN FERTILIZERS AS ONE OF THE ASPECTS OF GREENING OF AGRICULTURE

The reproduction of natural soil fertility is the most important direction in solving the problem of sustainable development of agriculture and the entire agro-industrial complex. The realization of this direction should be considered together with greening of agriculture. Considering greening of agriculture, the agricultural ecosystem can be divided into the components and each component can be considered separately. The main aspects of greening of agriculture are alternative systems of agriculture, non-pesticide crop cultivation technologies, binary or mixed crops, constructing of crop rotations to supply the plants with the main nutrition elements, application of green manure crops to improve soil fertility, etc. Green manure crops are the plants which are grown to improve soil fertility and they are called ‘green manure’. Green manure crops decompose in the soil much faster than other organic fertilizers thereby supplying plants with nutrition elements better. Plowed green manure improves water, air and food regimes of soil, improves its fertility and grain crop productivity.

К РАЗРАБОТКЕ ПОЧВООБРАБАТЫВАЮЩИХ РАБОЧИХ ОРГАНОВ НА ОСНОВЕ ТВЕРДОГРАММ ПОЛЕЙ

When solving engineering problems in soil cultivation, soil resistivity is applied. The use of solidograms is more preferable in the construction of soil-working tools and the operation of agricultural machinery. The developed technologies and instruments for continuous layerwise determination of the longitudinal hardness of the arable layer make it possible to obtain soil maps by hardness, to create a database. Factors affecting hardness variability include crop cultivation technology, row spacing, parameters, number and gauge of movers of mobile power tools and agricultural tools, the width of the technological track. The influence of the degrees of freedom of the working units on the intensity of loosening of the soil, the magnitude and nature of the change in the traction resistance, both as a separate working unit and the entire implement, is considered. A combined working unit consisting of a cutaway knife, a built-in drainer, a spring bender on a spring-loaded draft, which creates conditions for the realization of low-intensity types of deformation, the Baushinger effect is proposed. The advantage of the working unit is the continuous automatic adaptation of geometric parameters. For design and strength calculation of such working units, synthesis of elastic characteristics, it is recommended to use methods of the theory of random oscillations. The force and kinematic perturbation of the oscillations is caused by the variability of the hardness of the arable layer, the speed of movement of the working organ, the vibrorheological properties of the soil, and the parameters of the elastic characteristics of the system of springs. The rationale for the smoothing capability of the dynamical system being designed is substantiated by justifying rational design parameters, selecting the material, determining the system parameters by known characteristics at the input and output.

Realization of soybean biological potential as affected by agronomical practices under the conditions of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Purpose. To identify the productivity formation peculiarities of certain soybean varieties as affected by organic fertilizer, plant growth regulators, and moisture retainer application under the conditions of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.Methods. Soybean varieties ‘Ustia’, ‘Kano’, and ‘Hieba’ served as the object of the study. Moisture retainer ‘Aquasorb’ was introduced a month before sowing soybean in 10-cm strips in the zone of rows at the application rate of 300 kg/ha. Organic fertilizer ‘Parostok’ (mark 20) was applied twice: at the 3–5 leaf stage and at the 9–11 leaf stage. Growth regulators ‘Vermystym D’ and ‘Ahrostymulin’ were applied at the stage of budding at the recommended by producer dose.Results. The formulations under investigation did not affect the duration of phenological stages, and development of soybean plants occurred in accordance with their varietal characteristics and weather conditions of the year. The vegetation period of the varieties under study ranged from 109 to 117 days, which was typical of a mid-ripe­ning soybean group. Pre-sowing introduction of the moisture retainer ‘Aquasorb’ provided an increase in the soil water storage. As of 20 May 2016, the soil water storage in the 0–20 cm soil layer was 42 mm, while in the treatment with a moisture retainer it was 46 mm; in 2017, the values were 31 and 36 mm, respectively. On average, the plant density (per 1 m2)in ‘Kano’ sowings was 60.6, in ‘Hieba’ 58.5 and in ‘Ustia’ 59.2. The moisture retainer ‘Aquasorb’A provided a significant influence on the plant density formation, while organic fertilizers and growth regulators had almost no effect. The minimum yield of soybean grain in the control treatment (no formulations applied) was as follows: 3.99 t/ha in ‘Kano’, 1.72 t/ha in ‘Hieba’, and 2.43 t/ha in ‘Ustia’. All investigated agronomical practices ensured a significant increase in grain yield. The maximum yield in the experiment (4.74 t/ha) was provided by ‘Kano’ variety in the treatment with the complex application of moisture retainer ‘Aquasorb’, organic fertilizer ‘Parostok’ and growth regulator ‘Vermystym D’. The content of crude protein in soybean seeds in the control treatment varied from 35.2 to 36.6%. Application of the moisture retainer did not have any significant effect on this indicator. Top dressing with fertilizer increased the content of crude protein by 0.2–0.7% in different varieties. The maximum content of crude protein was obtained in the treatment with combined application of organic fertilizer and plant growth regulators.Conclusions. Integrated application of moisture retainer, organic fertilizer and plant growth regulators in soybean sowings is an important and effective factor in the realization of the crop yield potential. The quantitative and qualitative parameters of the crop productivity formation determined in the research can be used to improve the crop cultivation technology under the conditions of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.

Concept of environmentally protective farming for the forest-steppe zone

Formulation of the problem. Taking into account that agriculture is the branch closest to natural landscapes on the type of material-energy relations, the main task of agroecology is search of management forms (specialization) that would not exceed natural capacity of a specific territory. The best management of the nature use at the agro-landscape level can be implemented only in case of complete confidence in the land property, as well as in the presence of small areas from farmers that would correspond to the grassroots levels of the landscape structure. It is under this condition that the farmer can be taken care of with the support of the natural fertility of the land. In addition, the determined ownership of land (not lease) will force the peasant to form specialization in order to work as self-sustaining as possible. Under such conditions, the revival of domestic livestock, as a guarantee of the maintenance of natural fertility of soils is just a matter of time.The purpose of the article. To develop the concept of environmentally protective farming for the forest-steppe zone. Methods. Approbation of the theoretical foundations of the proposed Concept allowed to develop a harmonious methodology: at the first stage, numerous methods of environmental monitoring of various components in the agricultural landscape are used, such as methods of biological indication of pesticide residues in soils, instrumental and laboratory methods for evaluating environmental parameters, express estimation of environmental impacts on soils of separate branches of agriculture, GIS-modeling of agricultural typology and landscape - ecological planning; at the second stage, comprehensive methods on vermiculture study, ecological and biological technologies of agricultural crops cultivation have been developed, as well as biodynamic technologies in growing crops and methods of assessing the impact of food industry enterprises on the state of the environment.Results. The authors’ concept, adapted to the conditions of the UA forest-steppe area, consists of serial blocks of research: "Ecological monitoring of agro-landscape components "; "Ecological conversion of agro-landscapes"; "Landscape-ecological planning". The main goal of this Concept is not to focus on large agroholdings, but on farmer farmers.The experience of conducting an industrial typology of agriculture in the regions of the UA forest-steppe zone suggests that modern specialization is not only far from optimal in terms of compliance with natural conditions but also in many cases is devastating to soils. Therefore, the assessment of the environmental impact of each type of agriculture, first in the forest-steppe, and, subsequently, throughout the territory of Ukraine, can be analogous to the modern "electronic declaration" and will help develop a strategy for environmentally sound management of agriculture. The developed technological methods of ecological conversion (vermiculture, biodynamics, etc.) are adapted to the conditions of the forest-steppe of Ukraine, and will help owners of peasant and farm enterprises implement this strategy in practice.

Универсальное орудие для основной обработки почвы со сменными рабочими органами для тракторов тягового класса 3,0

For conditions of the European part of north-eastern Russia the technologies of crop cultivation based on the use of a combined system of basic soil cultivation are most effective economically. This system consists of alternating different types of nonmoldboard soil tillage and different depth plowing. For carrying out these operations by one universal implement for the basic soil cultivation plough-blade cultivators PPN-3-35/2-70 for tractors of class 14 kN and PPN-4(5)-35/3-70 for tractors of class 30 kN have been developed. Field tests of PPN-4(5) -35 / 3-70, conducted in 2015 in the conditions of the experimental field of the FARC North-East, showed that during the basic soil cultivation on the occupied fallow and crop remains the implement steadily sustains a working tillage width and adjusting depth. When plowing, the degree of soil crumbling is equal to 65% and 39%, respectively; during non-moldboard soil cultivation - 72% and 53%. The productivity at non-moldboard cultivation of middle loamy soil is 1.55 ha/h at the fuel rate of 17.2 kg/ha, when ploughing - 0.92 ha/h and 29.6 kg/ha. At the same time, the degree of crumbling when plowing compacted medium-loamy soil is insufficient for soil cultivation directly under the sowing of grain crops. To improve the quality of plowing it is proposed to carry it out together with disking the topsoil by equipping the universal implement with a disk section. To increase productivity, we also investigated the possibility of installing five plough bodies on the plough-blade cultivator PPN-4(5)-35/3-70 when aggregating it with T-150K tractor. In 2016 the agrotechnical assessment of the plough-blade cultivator PPN-4(5)-35/3-70 in the five-body version and with a disk section was carried out, which revealed that the universal implement performs plowing and plowing accompanied by disking in accordance with agrotechnical requirements, with the degree of soil crumbling by autumn plowing being 68.0%, by plowing with the upper soil layer cultivation 83.3%.

Energy efficiency of a link of various crop rotations

Purpose. To substantiate the energy efficiency of various crop rotations as affected by a system of fertilization, energy removal with harvest and energy costs.Methods. The measure of energy efficiency of crop cultivation technology is the energy efficiency ratio, which expresses the ratio of the total energy content of the cultivated crop to the amount of non-renewable energy spent on its cultivation.Results. The research was carried out in the stationary experiment on typical leached chernozem in the zone of unstable wetting in six-course multivariate crop rotation: crop rotation (33% fodder crops, 17% row crops, 50% grain crops), row crop rotation (17% fodder crops, 50% row crops, 33% grain crops) and grain-row crop rotation (17% fodder crops, 33% row crops, 50% grain crops). The experiment has shown that against the background of 16.6 t/ha of manure + N53.3P53.3K53.3, the energy removal with the harvest in the link of crop rotation amounted to 319169 MJ, in the link of row crop rotation 292569, and in the link of grain-row crop rotation 301963 MJ, which was by 48, 44 and 48%, respectively, higher than the energy removal against the background without fertilization. The energy efficiency ratio (kee) had the highest value in grain-row crop rotation (4.39), while in the crop rotation and grain-row crop rotation 4.03 and 3.97, respectively. In fertilized crop rotation, the yield of energy from the crop was at the level of the organic-mineral fertilizer system in treatments of ploughing-in crop residues against the background of mineral fertilization. High fertilizer rates applied in grain-crop rotation increase the yield of energy removal with the crop. The reduction of fertilizer rates significantly reduces both the energy removal and the efficiency of energy.Conclusions. The highest yield of energy with the crop (319169 MJ) was recorded in crop rotation in the link of oat – winter wheat – sugar beet at the background of application of 16.6 t/ha of manure + N53.3P53.3K53.3. Ploughing- in crops residues against the background of the mineral system provides a yield of energy with a yield of 303534 MJ at kee 4.06, which is at the level organic-mineral fertilizer system. High fertilizer rates applied in grain-seed crop rotation increase the yield of energy with the yield, but kee does not exceed 4.31–4.33. The reduction of fertilizer rates significantly reduces both the energy removal by crop and the energy efficiency ratio.

Microagrogenesis of chernozem in agrocenosis

The aim of the study was to provide scientifi c and theoretical substantiation for the process of microaggrega- tion of typical chernozem via the simulation of natural processes of soil formation under the effect of systemat- ic application of soil-protecting technologies of crop cultivation with surface packing of root and after-harvest remains, humus, and mineral fertilizers in agrocenoses of the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. Laboratory-analytical, experimental fi eld, statistical. Results. During tillage (for over 75 years) the number of free and friable-linked aggregates in the 0–40-cm chernozem layer decreased down to 17–20 %, and on the background of organic-mineral system of fertilization (15 t/ha of humus + N 80 P 75 K 60 ) there was an increase in the content of the mentioned groups of microaggregates up to 20–25 %. The systematic implementation of soil protective technologies promoted the increase in the content of free and friable-linked microaggregates up to 29–32 %. During tillage, the coeffi cient of saturation with humus for physical clay (PC) decreased 1.3–1.4 times compared to the grassland. The value of PC saturation during the soil protective tillage was optimal, as humus was neither accumulated in the form of free humates, nor stored like “fat” in animal organisms.aAnd there was no blocking of nutrients with free humates. Humus acts as a connective tissue, promoting the improved water-resistance of chernozem structure on the micro- and macroaggregate levels. The ability of chernozems to have aggregation was determined by the dispersion factor (DF), which was 12–14 % during tillage without introducing any fertilizers, and 10 % – with the introduction of fertilizers, which testifi ed to a weak degree of microaggregation. With minimal tillage on the background of the organo-mineral system of fertilization, DF = = 6–7 %, and by the end of rotation it decreased down to 3-5 %. Conclusions. Enhanced microaggregation in soil protective technologies is explained by the fact that detritus and newly formed humic substances enhance their role in the formation of organo-mineral complexes in case of optimization of hydrothermal conditions in the seasonal cycle and decreased tempo of humus mineralization. The correlation coeffi cient between the num- ber of microaggregates, sized 0.01–0.25 mm and the content of peptized humic substances during tillage was as follows: R = +0.480.01, and for soil protective technologies it was: R = (+0.70–0.75) 0.01. The increase in microaggregation in conditions of soil protective tillage occurred in the direction of wild land analogs and fallow, which testifi ed to the simulation of the natural process of typical chernozem microaggregation in the agrocenoses of the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.