Fodder Mass Research Articles

Growth dynamics and accumulation of forage mass of forage cactus clones as affected by meteorological variables and water regime

Comprehending the relation between climatic variables and the productive and morphological characteristics of the forage cactus is essential to the adjustment of the management of its production in different agro-climatic areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interrelationship between the meteorological variables and the water regime with the growth dynamics and accumulation of forage mass of three different forage cactus clones. We submitted the clones Miúda–MIU; Orelha de Elefante Mexicana–OEM and IPA Sertânia–IPA to three water regimes (40 %ETc, 80 %ETc and 120 %ETc), plus the non-irrigated condition (0 %ETc), during 18 months, in the municipality of Serra Talhada, Pernambuco, Brazil. Morphological, structural, and productive characteristics of the plants, and environmental variables were supervised throughout the experimental period. Pearson’s correlation, multicollinearity test, canonical correlation and path analysis were applied to these data. It was observed that the minimum air temperature, the relative air humidity, and the irrigation were the variables that affected the growth dynamics and the accumulation of fodder mass of the forage cactus clones the most. The clone OEM presented more sensitivity to the environmental conditions (climate and irrigation) in comparison to the other clones MIU and IPA. The environmental conditions affected the growth dynamics more than the productivity of the clone from the genus Nopalea. It was determined that the species of forage cactus presented differentiated morphological and productive responses among themselves, under semiarid conditions in Brazil.

Screening of awnless bromegrass collection samples in the taiga zone of Western Siberia

The paper presents the results of the study of collection samples of awnless bromegrass from the Federal Research Center N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) to identify donors of valuable breeding traits. The study was carried in 2015-2018 in Tomsk region. The soils of the experimental plots were sod-podzolic, sandy loam by granulometric composition, with a humus content in the arable layer of no more than 2%. The recorded area of the plot was 0.5 m2. The trials were repeated two times. Procedures for trial establishment, phenological observations, harvest recording and data processing were performed in accordance with the methodological recommendations of the All-Russian Williams Fodder Research Institute, VIR and the State Variety Testing Methodology. The years of the study were characterized by uneven distribution of heat and moisture during the growing season. This made it possible to identify the most adaptive samples for selective breeding of awnless bromegrass which can be used as a hay and pasture plant in the taiga zone. The following valuable source materials were selected for tall varieties: Khabarovsky, Titan, Vozvyshensky, SibNIISkhoz 88; samples of wild plants Yakutia (K-14215), Vologda (K-14224), Omsk (K-14228), Sverdlovsk (K-14209) regions, a local sample of Tomsk region (K-14226). The following samples resistant to fungal diseases were identified: Morshansky, Khabarovsky and Erkeeni varieties; samples of wild forms of Irkutsk (K-14221, К-14227), Vologda (K-14212, К-14224), Omsk (K-14228) regions, a local sample of Tomsk region (K-14226). The following high-yielding varieties in terms of fodder mass were recognized: wild forms of Vologda region (K-14212, К-14222) and a local population of Tomsk region (K-14214); highly leafy varieties: Primorsky 46, SibNIISKHoz 88, wild forms of Komi (K-14208), Irkutsk (K-14227), Vologda (K14212, К-14224) regions, local samples of Tomsk region (K-14214, К-14226); varieties with high seed yield: Duet, Primorsky 46, Erkeeni, wild forms of Vologda region (K-14212, К-14224), a local sample of Tomsk region (K-14226). Based on the set of the main economically valuable traits for sowing in a polycross nursery, samples of wild plants from Vologda region (K-14212, К-14224), and local samples of Tomsk region (K-14214, К-14226) were selected.

РАЦИОНАЛЬНЫЙ СПОСОБ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ ЕСТЕСТВЕННЫХ ПАСТБИЩ В ВЕРБЛЮДОВОДСТВЕ

The aim of the research is to develop a rational way of using natural pasture areas in productive camel breeding. The conducted studies showed that when grazing Arvana camels on each experimental field of pastures for one day (group I), the grazing capacity of these types of pastures was high and amounted to an average of 4.75 and 4.95 c/ha dry fodder mass during the spring-summer grazing season with the output of the eaten fodder reserve of 2.07 c/ha and 2.52 c/ha respectively. Similar indicators of grazing capacity of pastures when using each field of pastures in a row for 3 days (group II) and traditional grazing without dividing the territory into conditional experimental fields (control group) were significantly low and amounted to 3.80 (1.70) c/ha and 3.90 (2.05) c/ha; 2.60 (1.15) c/ha and 2.85 (1.54) c/ha of dry fodder mass according to the types of pastures respectively. The mode of pasture utilization with different loads had a noticeable impact on the feeding value of the grass stand of the main types of desert pastures. So, compared with the feeding value of pasture herbs, when using one day of each conventional pen (0.67 and 0.77 fodder units, 68.9 and 75.0 g of digestible protein) female camels for three days in a row on each experimental field (0.38 and 0.43 fodder units, 59.1 and 66.6 g of digestible protein) and traditional unsystematic utilization (0.31 and 0.35 fodder units, 48 and 53 g of digestible protein) significantly low, which ultimately affected the total grazing capacity and, consequently, the forage capacity of the main types of desert pastures. Generally, with a rational mode of use (with a conventional pen grazing method), the grazing capacity of shrubby-ephemeral sandy and half-shrubby-ephemeral pastures on loamy sierozem soils is 1.90 and 2.90 centners respectively of conventional fodder protein units per hectare, which is significantly higher compared to the control control (81.58% and 80.35%) and the II experimental group (60.0% and 59.65%). Milking camels of all experimental groups on seasonal saltwort pastures eat almost the same amount of pasture forage (22.80-23.95). In autumn (September-October), the average daily milk yield of female camels of the I, II and III experimental groups averaged 9.32 kg, 10.0 kg and 11.50 kg, respectively, this indicates a non-positive effect of normalized feeding of milking camels on their milking capacity in conditions of grazing maintenance.

Sources of valuable traits for perennial grass breeding

Aim. The purpose was to identify collection accessions – sources of valuable traits to use as starting material for creating varieties of perennial grasses in Western Ukraine. Results and Discussion. Perennial grasses play an essential role in improving the efficiency of forage production. They produce a fodder mass that contains major macro- and micronutrients, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and other nutrients in available forms, with a high energy protein saturation. Practice shows that due to the introduction of varietal crops into production in combination with optimal technologies of their cultivation, which allows revealing the potential of each variety, it is possible to additionally obtain 20-30% higher yields of fodder mass annually and harvest 2 to 3-fold seed yields. In 2016-2020, a search was carried out and 570 new accessions of perennial grasses were recruited, of which 201 were legumes and 369 were graminaceous grasses. The collection contains 1,319 accessions, of which 232 are Trifolium pratense L., 115 are Trifolium repens L., 49 are Trifolium hybridum L., 107 are Lotus corniculatus L., 80 belong to other legume species (Medicago, Galega orientalis L. Galega orientalis L. and Trifolium species), 131 are Phleum pratense L., 187 are Dactylis glomerata L., 146 are Lolium perenne L., 53 are Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) J. et C.Presl., 67 are Festuca rubra L., 28 are Festuca trachyphylla L., 32 are Bromopsis inermis (Leyss.) Holub, 92 belong to other species of other types of graminaceous grasses (Festuca pratensis Huds., Festuca arundinacea Schreb., Agrostis alba L. etc.). Accessions that enter the Department are registered and sown for propagation in the field. After examination, valuable accessions are transferred to the National Depository and registered in the National Catalogue; the rest of the obtained seeds are used in working collections. Conclusions. The best collection accessions were identified by a set of economically valuable traits: sources of daily growth of shoots (30), winter hardiness (28), plant height (22), yield of green mass upon haymaking (28) and pasture (19) use, forage productivity (15), seed productivity (25), foliage (21), and disease resistance (23). They can be recommended as starting material to create varieties of perennial grasses with high yields of forage mass and seeds for various applications.

Studying the Source Material for Yellow Melilot Selection

Creation of a system that ensures stable and complete feeding of farm animals is important for an effective development of animal husbandry in Stavropol Territory. Science established and practice confirmed that to organize healthy functioning of animals and their high productivity, it is necessary to have at least 105-110 g of digestible protein per feed unit. However, due to the current use of feed mainly consisting of cereals, there is a deficiency of protein, which is balanced by fodder grains. The lack of protein and its quality in feed has an extremely negative effect on the health of animals, reduces their productivity, impairs reproduction, disrupts metabolism and leads to overspending of feed, and, consequently, to an increase in the cost of livestock products. For the effective use of saline soils, which in the Stavropol Territory account for 24.8% of the total area, it is necessary to select field crops that give high yields of fodder rich in digestible protein, as well as to improve the structure of saline soils by enriching them with ecologically clean nitrogen that does not cause acidification. The legume crop of yellow melilot can become such a crop. Solving the problem of organic farming, it is necessary to expand the assortment of yellow melilot to create a solid fodder base, to use it as the best forecrop and break crop in grain crop rotations. Therefore, the study of some collection material of yellow melilot on leached black soils and the selection of promising samples is relevant for further selection work to create new varieties. A study of the seed material samples of yellow melilot from the VIR collection of different geographical origins was carried out according to the presence of hard seeds; samples with low and high content of them were established. The sowing qualities of yellow melilot collection samples were studied in laboratory conditions. The growth dynamics of the yellow melilot samples was studied, and decades of the maximum daily growth of yellow melilot were established. A high yield of yellow melilot samples in the first and second year of life was shown. The quantitative composition of main nutrients in the fodder mass of the yellow melilot samples of different geographical origins was established. For the conditions of the Stavropol Territory, it is necessary to select samples with economically valuable biological characteristics that can provide high rates of linear growth of green mass before the onset of summer drought.

Технологии и методы восстановления деградированных кормовых угодий Центрального Кавказа

Abstract. The article presents the results of R&D and new units for the restoration of degraded mountain areas. The purpose of the study is the accelerated restoration of the natural phytocenosis and the implementation of measures to improve meadows using these aggregates. The object of the study is the technologies and units developed by the authors for the following operations: cutting bumps, raking stones, sowing grass mixtures with the simultaneous application of mineral fertilizers. The research objectives included: determining the initial floristic composition of a degraded mountain meadow; assessment of the impact of events and agricultural practices on the change in the floristic composition of the grass stand, its productivity and energy intensity; identification of the effectiveness of the application of the developed units when sowing herbs in turf and targeted application of mineral fertilizers. The novelty of the technical solution lies in the fact that new resource-saving methods have been developed to improve mountain fodder land using small-sized universal units. . The tests were carried out at a mountain hospital located on the southeastern exposition of the Dargavskiy depression of the North Ossetia-Alania, at an altitude of 1650 m above sea level with a slope of 10°, in six plots, with a recorded area of 360 m2. Three options in triplicate. The first option is natural seeding, and the second is grass seeding by the aggregate, the third option is grass seeding and low doses of N60P45K20 fertilizers. The plots are located across the slope randomized. It was found that at a concentration of 17.2 MJ of energy in 1 kg of dry matter of feed, the total collection in the control plot was 29.7 GJ, and in the seeded experimental field – 85.3 GJ; the crop of the aboveground fodder mass, when sowing grasses, in the first year of observations amounted to 21.8 c/ha of dry weight, which is 3 times higher than in the control. During the growing season of the third year of observations, the yield in the sown area was 39.2 c/ha of dry weight against 19.3 c/ha in the control.

INFLUENCE OF THE PLANTING SCHEME AND THE MASS OF THE PLANTING TUBER ON THE YIELD AND QUALITY OF THE GREEN MASS OF ARTICHOKE IN THE MIDDLE URALS

The results of studies on the influence of the planting scheme and the mass of the planting tuber on the yield and quality of the artichoke fodder mass are presented. The field experiment was carried out in 2018–2019 at the educational and scientific experimental field of the Perm State Technical University. Research results show that planting artichoke according to the scheme 70 x 30 cm is optimal for obtaining the highest yield of dry matter – 4.09 t / ha, which is 0.62–0.65 t / ha higher than when using more rare schemes. This is due to an increase in the number of seedlings and a greater density of standing of plants before harvesting. Planting according to the 70x30 cm scheme was 3.9 pcs / m 2 . This is 0.7–1.4 pcs / m 2 more than planting 70x40 and 70 x 50 cm. The mass of the planting tuber does not affect the yield of green mass and dry matter of the crop. A higher net productivity of photosynthesis of crops is noted from the germination phase to the budding phase when planting 70 x 30 cm – 3.50 g / m 2 day. This is 0.26–0.31 3.50 g / m 2 day more than at more rare landing patterns. By the budding phase with this planting scheme, the plants reach the highest height – 138 cm. The growth of artichoke plants lasts until the flowering phase, during which the plant height reaches its maximum - 151-155 cm. The accumulation of vitamin C in the artichoke tubers does not depend on the planting scheme and weight planting tuber. The content of carotene in terms of the greater foliage of plants when planting 70 x 30 cm was 6.1 mg / kg, and when using tubers weighing 20– 40 and 41–60 g - 5.2–6.0 mg / kg.

Degradation and restoration of mountain pastures

The destructions which occur in the mountain phytocenosis reduce the adaptive capabilities of plant formation, as a result their productivity, longevity and resistance to adverse factors decrease. The species previously typical of indigenous communities do not find ecological niches. They are on the verge of extinction. This contributes to the degradation of species composition. Various secondary communities become widespread, the whole complex of existence in which differs from the conditions of indigenous communities. In order to study the state of mountain vegetation, phytocenoses were monitored and assessed, taking into account the presence of leguminous components. Vegetation monitoring was carried with regard to the vertical zonation, where the plant species and their disappearance were determined under the influence of anthropogenic and zoogenic factors. The areas with high degradation were determined, where the amount of plant formation increased and the diversity of valuable grass and bean cultures decreased, depending on anthropogenic factors. It was found that the early spring period nutrition of growing plants with the biological product Nikfan promotes the increase in the fodder mass of plants, ensuring their growth and full development. In our experiments, the doses of the biological product in a concentration of 0.1% were justified, creating favorable conditions for the development and growth rate of crops and beans.

Способ решения проблемы деградации горных пастбищ Центрального Кавказа

Abstract. The authors presented the results of research and development, on the basis of which a new device was created that facilitates the restoration of degraded mountain pastures after unsystematic use with excessive grass grazing. The purpose of the study is to develop a new method of improvement and a prototype of attachments that will allow the seeding of perennial grasses in sparse grass and bare areas of the soil, which will increase stiffness. The object of the study are the working bodies: sowing devices, the original design, scatter cones, net runners. The novelty of the technical solution lies in the fact that the authors of the article developed a new resource-saving method for improving mountain fodder land using a modernized seeder equipped with removable working bodies for automatic, targeted seed sowing, sowing seeds only in degraded and bare areas, skipping areas with normal grass stand. The tests were carried out at a mountain hospital, located on the southeastern exposition of the Dargavsky depression of the North Ossetia-Alania, at an altitude of 1650 m above sea level with a slope of 10°, in six plots, with a recorded area of 360 m2 two options in triplicate. The first option is natural seeding, and the second is the seeding of grasses by the aggregate. The plots are located across the slope randomized. It was found that at a concentration of 17.2 MJ of energy in 1 kg of dry matter of feed, the total collection in the control plot was 29.7 GJ, and in the seeded experimental field – 85.3 GJ. It was revealed that changes in the grass stand influenced the accumulation of biomass of phytocenosis. So, the crop of the aboveground fodder mass, when sowing grasses, in the first year of observations was 18.2 c/ha of dry weight, which is 5 times higher than in the control. During the growing season of the third year of observations, the yield in the sown area was 59.1 c/ha of dry weight against 17.3 c/ha in the control.

Agrophytocenoses based on promising varieties of meadow clover on drained lands of the Non-Chernozem zone

The article presents data of studies carried out in the northwestern part of the Non-Chernozem zone (Tver region) in 2019. Studied were fodder mixtures based on meadow clover Kretunovsky, Green, Chance, Falensky 86 varieties mixed with variegated alfalfa Vega 87 variety and cereal components − timothy grass VIK 9 and meadow fescue Sakharovskaya varieties. The yield of dry weight of legumes and cereal grass stands of the first year of use during primary mowing in ferti-lized varieties was 4.4-6.9 t/ha at the height of grass stand of 66-77 cm and stalk density of 318-507 pcs/m2. The indicators in variants without fertilizers were lower, the height of the grass stand was 63-69 cm, the density was 334-595 pcs/m2 and the yield of fodder mass was 3.8-4.6 t/ha. Unfavorable climatic conditions during the period between mowings had a suppressive effect on growth and development of herbs, therefore, during the secondary mowing the height parameters of agrophytocenoses decreased by 1.2-1.3 times and did not exceed 32-44 cm against unfertilized background, 43-53 cm against a fertilized one. A decrease in shoot formation ability of herbs during the second mowing was not observed, the density of agrophytocenoses was at the level of 300-500 pcs/m. The yield of dry mass of the second mowing compared to the first mowing decreased by 1.3-1.7 times and was 2.2-5.4 t/ha. In the botanical composition of grass mixtures during the first mowing, leg-ume components prevailed − 35-65 %, during the secondary mowing the percentage of legumes did not exceed 15-30 %. The use of three-component grass mixtures in agriculture will make it possible to get from 6.7 to 9.3 tons per hectare of dry weight of complete feed for cattle for two mowings. Adaptation and cultivation on sod-podzolic soils in the humid zone of the Non-chernozem region of grass mixtures consisting of new-generation forage grasses is one of the reserves for increasing produc-tivity of forage crops by more than 10 %.

Sorption-probiotic supplement in the diet of calves and its effect on the functional maturity of their rumen, morpho-biochemical blood status and productivity

This research considers the use of the sorption-probiotic supplement Biopinnular in the amount of 0.5 and 1.0 % of the dry matter in the diets of calves of the dairy period. The results allows us to correct the microbiocenosis in the in the digestive tract by suppressing the development of pathogenic microflora and increased reproduction of Lacto- and Bifido bacteria. The studied supplement also contributes to deeper fermentation of fodder mass during digestion in the rumen, which is manifested in an increase in active acidity (pH), cellulolytic activity of bacteria, VFA content as the main product of carbohydrate fermentation, as well as enhanced ammonia-binding function of microflora, which led to better energy and protein availability of their body. This is confirmed by indicators of the morphological and biochemical status of the blood of calves, manifested in a real increase in their red blood cells, hemoglobin, protein and protein fractions. All this was confirmed by the intensity of their live weight gain, accompanied by large average daily (by 8.83 and 23.70 %, respectively) and relative (by 1.63 and 3.86 %) weight gains and smaller (by 0.44 and 0.64) EFU costs per unit of live weight gain. A more pronounced biological effect is observed when using a feed supplement at a dose of 1.0 % of the dry matter of the diet.

Sowing qualities and yield properties of Sudanese grass depending on fractionation

Research have been conducted on the development of recommendations for the obtaining and preparation of seeds of Sudanese grass for sowing, because in modern conditions increased demands are made on the quality of the sowing material. In the problem of realizing the genetic potential of a variety, an important role is given to the quality of the seed material. Therefore, all agrotechnical measures should be aimed at preserving and increasing the viability of seeds during their origin, growth, development and storage, that is, a special technology for growing seed should be developed and applied. Only with high seed quality the potential of the variety can be realized. The dependence of the yield of green mass of Sudan grass on the fraction of seeds and the seeding rate was revealed. In years with different weather conditions, seeds with the highest specific gravity had the best germination ability. On these options, the highest yield of fodder mass of Sudanese grass was noted. It was found that using the CAD separator, it is possible to select biologically valuable seeds of Sudanese grass, formed in the middle part of the panicle, remove lightweight impurity, improve the quality of seed and significantly increase the yield of green mass by 13%.

Studying the effect of preplanting tillage on the germination and forage productivity of Kochia prostrate in the northern desert of Kazakhstan

The earlier studies about the efficiency of the main tillage showed that at the overall tillage for Kochia prostrate sowing don not guarantee the uniformgermination throughout the field, both in space and in time. It is due to theunsatisfactory water-physical conditions of the subsurface soil where seeds lie. Taking it into account, a farming system is being developed. It is aimed at accumulating and preserving moisture in the soil strips (10-15 cm wide, repeatedin 45-50 cm in the virgin soil), treated with a help of the method of a surface excavation of a loose soil layer with the formation of a solid compacted bed where seeds of Kochia prostrate are placed. The research results showed a high efficiency of harvesting the upper loose soil layer in strips with a width of 10-15 cm to a depth of 5-8 cm with the creation of a highly compacted solid seed bed, without conducting basic soil cultivation. In this variant, the optimum completeness of seedlings and a rather high yield of forage by fodder mass of Kochia prostrate were obtained 3.12 g / ha on average over three years. Earlier, before the development of this research, Kochia prostrate with annual sowing provided only 2 years of full-fledged germination from five years of sowing. Then as a result of the conducted research, a number of years providing full-fledged germination has reduced to 4 years of sowing.

The method of obtaining the original material for the selection of yellow clover under the conditions of the Stavropol Territory

The paper presents the studies on the original material of yellow clover fodder legumes of VIR (VIR plant genetic resources gene bank) for the fodder mass productivity with low coumarin content. The results of the best varieties of clover are given in terms of green mass and hay yield. A selection material was obtained for getting new varieties for the conditions of the Stavropol Territory.

Environment-Forming and Production Functions of Haloxylon aphyllum in the Karnabchul Desert

The environment-forming function of the desert tree black saxaul (Haloxylon aphyllum) in the Karnabchul desert was investigated. As a result, it was found that black saxaul plants of different age had different effects on the degree of illumination. The intensity of solar radiation was mainly affected by middle-aged plants and by old generative specimens to a lesser extent. Black saxaul had a significant effect on the air temperature: it lowered the temperature under the crown and on the crown edge during the daytime, especially at 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., while it increased it in these zones at night. Black saxaul also significantly influenced the temperature of the soil. The temperature was higher at night under the crown, while it was lower than in the outer part of the crown in the daytime. The moisture content of the soil also changed under the influence of black saxaul. Under its crown, the moisture content was noticeably higher than on open natural pastures. It was highest in the upper layers of the soil at the base of the saxaul trunk. As a result of the environment-forming action of black saxaul, favorable hydrothermal conditions for the growth and development of the natural wormwood-ephemeral vegetation under the protection of the shelterbelts and on the pasture areas adjacent to the shelterbelt were formed. The components of the production activity of pasture shelterbelts of black saxaul were shown: fodder mass of saxaul and wormwood-ephemeral vegetation of natural pastures. As a result of the increase in the yield of natural pastures under the protection of the shelterbelts and the harvest of black saxaul, the forage productivity of desert pastures increased more than two times.

The environmental forming and productional functions of the haloxylon aphyllum in the Karnabchul desert

We have conducted investigation of the environmental function of the desert tree of black saxaul (Haloxylon aphyllum) in the Karnabchul desert. As a result, it was found that different age plants of black saxaul had different effects on the degree of illumination. The greatest influence on the intensity of solar radiation was exerted by the saxaul plant of the black middle-aged state, the least the old generative individuals. Saxaul black had a significant impact on the temperature of the air: in the daytime, especially in the period 13-16 h, reducing the temperature under the crown and on the edge of the crown, and at night increasing it in the same areas. It also had a noticeable effect on the temperature of the soil. The temperature of the soil surface under the crown at night is higher, and during the day the warming was slower than in the outer part of the saxaul crown. Under the influence of black saxaul and soil moisture changed. Under the saxaul crown soil moisture is significantly higher compared to the control (open natural pastures). The highest soil moisture was observed in the upper soil layers at the base of the saxaul trunk. As a result, under the environmental action of black saxaul more favorable hydrothermal conditions for the growth and development of natural wormwood-ephemeral vegetation under the protection of strips and adjacent areas of pastures are formed. The result of production activities chemotaxonomic postbestowal bands consists of two following components: production of fodder mass of the Haloxylon and fodder productivity of wormwood-ephemeral vegetation of natural pastures. By increasing the yield of natural pastures under the protection of pasture protection strips and the harvest of the black saxaul fodder productivity of desert pastures increases more than twice.

Protective Black-Saksaul Pasture Strips in the Central Asian Desert: Productive Ecosystem Function

The protective black-saksaul pasture strips in the southern Central Asian deserts apparently increase the relative humidity, change the air and soil temperature regimes, reduce the wind speed, and prevent the melting of snow and the drying out of soils. Therefore, there are more favorable hydrothermal conditions for the growth and development of native wormwood ephemeral plant within the strip and the adjacent pastures lands. The plant species composition in the black-saksaul strip becomes more diverse; the ephemeral grass density is higher than that on the open pastures. The productive function of the black-saksaul strips includes two components: the production of black saksaul–fodder mass and the production of natural wormwood ephemeral pastures in the zone of the effects of positive environmental modification by the black-saksalul strips. Rational use of the black-saksaul pasture strips should involve pasture grazing twice a year: in spring, the sheep should graze on ephemera; the second grazing season on black saksaul (assimilated shoots and seeds) is in the autumn–winter period.

Morphogenic, structural, and productive characteristics of Cenchrus ciliaris L. grown using different levels of caprine and ovine biofertilize

The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphogenic, structural, and productive characteristics of Cenchrus ciliaris L. in response to different doses of biofertilizers that originate from the anaerobic biodigestion of goat and sheep fecal matter on Yellow Argisoil. The experiment was performed in a greenhouse, in a completely randomized factorial design using two types of biofertilizers and five dosages (0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10% of soil volume), with four repeats, for the duration of two vegetative cycles. In the first cycle, there was an increase in leaf lifespan and leaf/stem ratio with the use of 10% and 7.5% caprine biofertilizer, respectively. From the second cycle, doses of biofertilizers between 7.5% and 10% led to an improvement in the development of the morphogenic variables - leaf sprouting rate, leaf and pseudostem elongation rate, leaf lifespan, and senescence, as well as the structural characteristics - expanded leaf length and width, number of sprouting, expanded and live leaves, and expanded/expanding leaf ratio, resulting in a 73% increase in biomass. It was concluded that the use of biofertilizers improves the main morphogenic and structural characteristics of Cenchrus ciliaris L., resulting in increased fodder mass yield.

ANTHROPOGENIC TRANSFORMATION OF RANGELAND VEGETATION OF KOCHUBEY BIOSPHERE STATION OF NORTH-WESTERN PRE-CASPIAN

The influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the change in species diversity and transformation in plant communities has been studied. Studies have shown negative effect of external factors to preserve valuable fodder grass depends on different pasture use patterns on the territory of the Kochubey Biosphere Station. A marked decline in the phytocenosis productivity dynamics with an increased load of 9.53-10.95c / ha under insufficient humidification conditions was shown. The results of the studies are shown that the vegetation change features are primarily caused the occurrence of anthropogenic landscape with dominance of the most persistent xerophytes shrubs and change of native species of communities of unsuitable plant species for feed that form in the continental climate. Changes in the vegetation cover composition and the ratio of the forage grasses species are traced. The uneven distribution of fodder mass between plant species in different seasons of the year was revealed. Established significant changes in the vegetation cover in the experimental plots. Stand of grass is thinned, low projective cover – 20-30%. In places of accumulation of growing species, especially in cereals, the loss of unstable species is observed. The productivity of pasture phytocenosis due to ephemera, forbs, especially dominant xerophytic shrubs of the wet period ranges 14.4-14.18 c / ha, which is associated with increased moisture and normalized load compared to dry years (9.53-10.9c / ha).

Mineral composition of feed mass of the meadow clover different varieties depending on the elements of growing technology

Purpose. To establish changes in the level of accumulation of raw ash, macro- and microelements, heavy metals and nitrates in dry feed biomass of different varieties of meadow clover depending on the elements of the growing technology in the Right Bank Forest-Steppe natural zone of Ukraine. Methods. Field and laboratory – for field and laboratory research, analytical – to determine mineral composition of dry meadow clover biomass. Results. Dry fodder mass of different varieties of clover under different elements of cultivation technology accumulated raw ash in the range of 8.5-8.9%, including macroelements (phosphorus – 0.32-0.37%, potassium – 2.21-2.52%, calcium – 0.49-0.58%, magnesium – 0.16-0.19%), nitrate nitrogen (N–NO3) – 0,02-0,05%, microelements (zinc – 13.7-14.8 mg/kg, copper – 3.5-4.9 mg/kg, manganese – 44.0-48.3 mg/kg and iron – 64.4-68.8 mg/kg) and heavy metals (lead – 1.8-1.9 mg/kg, nickel – 1.8-1.9 and cadmium – 0.2-0.3 mg/kg). Relation of dry matter content of potassium to the sum of calcium and magnesium content was in the range of 3.0-3.9 and calcium to phosphorus – 1.4-1.8. Conclusions. The content in the dry fodder mass of meadow clover of the studied macro- and microelements and their ratio did not exceed the zootechnical norms for feeding cattle. The method of sowing meadow clover did not significantly affect the accumulation of these mineral elements. Dry mass of the Lybid variety accumulated a little more potassium, and calcium and manganese were accumulated by the Typhoon variety. For the application of mineral fertilizers in doses Р60K90 and N60P60K90 compared to the variant where only inoculation of seeds with nodule bacteria was carried out an increase of crude ash, phosphorus, potassium in the dry matter content was observed. For the introduction of nitrogen at a dose of N60 without exceeding the maximum allowable concentrations, there was a slight increase in the content of nitrate nitrogen, as well as zinc, copper and manganese.