Spring Vetch Research Articles

Anti-Erosion Effectiveness of Selected Crops in Sustainable Mountain Agriculture in a Warming Climate

Mountain ecosystems are among the most difficult areas for plant cultivation due to water erosion occurring on the slopes. Growing plants in these areas may lead to a weakening of ecosystem functions and in degradation of these areas and threatens sustainability. In this experiment, the anti-erosion effectiveness of maize, oat and spring vetch were assessed through the measuring of LAI and sheet wash from a slope where cultivation had occurred. Averaged values from the six years field experiment (2017–2022) reveal that maize achieved maximum soil protection between the 115th and 128th day of vegetation (14 days), when the LAI value equals to 3.8–4.0. The corresponding values for oats were 63–81 days of vegetation (19 days; LAI 2.4–2.7). The longest period of maximum soil protection was achieved from the cultivation of spring vetch compared to maize and oats (between the 49th and 82nd day of its vegetation, i.e., 34 days), when the LAI value was in the range of 2.2–3.0. Soil cover at their maximum development is conservative compared to mountain ecosystems, and in the case of the studied plants, the protection time varied. These relationships were quantified by simple regression equations. Additionally, taking into account the compiled climate data, the average air temperature in the years of research (2017–2022) was higher than the multi-year average (1961–2000) by 2.15 °C, which may confirm the fact that the climate is warming in the region of Southern Poland.

N supply and yield of sugar beet after cover cropping: effects of cover crop species and management

Despite long-time practice, the effect of cover crop (CC) cultivation on N supply and yield of subsequent sugar beet (SB) is not clear for the temperate climate of Central Europe. To elucidate, four field trials with oil radish, spring vetch, saia oat, and winter rye CCs were conducted on typical loessial soil in Germany. Mineral fertilizer N dose was varied as second factor: zero (N0) and optimum dose (Nopt). Biomass characteristics before winter, soil mineral nitrogen content in spring (SMN), and sugar yield and total plant N content of SB were measured. The CC N effect (Neff), calculated as the difference in SB N uptake after CC minus bare fallow, was computed for the periods sowing-summer (July/August) and summer-harvest. On average, sugar yield was decreased after rye and increased after vetch CC compared to bare fallow which was more pronounced under N0 than Nopt. In the period sowing-summer, characterized by a high SB N demand, Neff was close to 0 kg N ha–1 after rye and up to +30 kg N ha–1 after vetch. In contrast, Neff in summer-harvest was negative, amounting up to –80 kg N ha–1 after radish and rye. Regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between Neff in the period sowing-summer and the sugar yield difference between the cover crop treatments and bare fallow (R2 = 0.29). A multiple regression analysis (R2 = 0.68) indicated that high CC biomass combined with a large negative spring SMN difference between CC treatment and fallow caused a large yield penalty, which can be compensated for by elevated N fertilization. Moreover, CC management ensuring either a limited CC biomass or low SMN difference of CCs compared to fallow by e.g., later sowing, less vital CC species or early CC termination, will likely secure higher SB yield after CCs than fallow.

Study results of the spring vetch varieties (<i>Vicia sativa</i> L.) in the Republic of Bashkortostan

Spring vetch is a valuable leguminous plant that serves as a source of high-protein feed for farm animals, and due to its ability to fix nitrogen, it is a good green manure. The cultivation of this crop plays an important role in solving the problem of plant protein deficiency; however, in the Cis-Ural steppe of the Republic of Bashkortostan, productivity of vetch seeds and green mass is low and unstable over the years. In this regard, the purpose of the current study was to estimate the potential productivity of spring vetch varieties that would be promising for cultivation in the soil and climatic conditions of our region. Field trials were conducted in 2021–2023. Weather conditions during the years of study were contrasting in temperature and moisture availability. The material for the study was a set of spring vetch varieties ‘Omichka 3’, ‘Orlovskaya 91’, ‘Lugovskaya 98’, ‘Lgovskaya 22’, ‘Yubileinaya 110’, ‘Uzunovskaya 8’, ‘Valentina’, recommended for cultivation in the Ural region of the Russian Federation. The estimation, records and measurements were carried out in accordance with the Methodological recommendations for the study of the grain legumes’ collection (1975) and the Methodology for the State Variety Testing of Agricultural Crops (2019). As a result, there has been found that in the conditions of the Republic of Bashkortostan the spring vetch varieties ‘Lgovskaya 22’, ‘Omichka 3’, ‘Uzunovskaya 8’ with a vegetation period length of 74.3±11.6 – 75.7±12.1 days turned out to be the most earlymaturing. According to the indicators of the main yield structure elements, the varieties ‘Valentina’, ‘Uzunovskaya 8’, ‘Yubileinaya 110’ were the best in terms of ‘number of beans per plant’ (4.4±0.7 – 4.9±1.3 pcs.), ‘seeds per plant’ (18.1± 5.9 – 18.5±6.8 pcs.), ‘seed productivity’ (0.90±0.26 – 0.96±0.27g). According to our study, the most promising varieties for production in the Republic of Bashkortostan are ‘Uzunovskaya 8’ and ‘Valentina’, which were the best ones in terms of productivity of grain (1.25–1.29 t/ha), green mass (6.40–6.53 t/ha) and hay (1.61–1.65 t/ha) in 2021–2023.

Comparative estimation of grain productivity and green mass of leguminous crops in the southern forest-steppe of the Republic of Bashkortostan

Leguminous crops play an important role in providing the population with high-protein products and farm animals with feed. The correct selection and distribution of species and varieties of these crops in accordance with soil and climatic conditions have a significant impact on their productivity. The purpose of the current work was to estimate productivity of green mass, hay, grain, as well as the degree of development of traits that affect the productivity formation of peas, chickpeas, lentils, spring vetch, and fodder beans when grown in the southern forest-steppe of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The study was carried out in 2021–2023. Contrasting weather conditions made it possible to comprehensively estimate the material being studied. The objects of the study were the varieties of five types of leguminous crops ‘Pamyati Popova’ (peas), ‘Sokol’ (chickpeas), ‘Nevesta’ (lentils), ‘Uzunovskaya 8’ (spring vetch), ‘Kalor’ (fodder beans). The trials were carried out in accordance with the Methodology of State Variety Testing (2019). As a result of the research, there were identified leguminous crops that were the most adaptive in a number of parameters for cultivation in the Southern Urals of the Republic of Bashkortostan, namely peas, chickpeas, lentils with 65.7 ± 9.7–70.7 ± 9.4 days of a vegetation period; peas with a maximum growth rate before the budding phase; peas, chickpeas, spring vetch, fodder beans with the most developed root system; peas and spring vetch with the largest number (223.3±13.3 – 236.0±17.1 pieces, respectively) and weight (0.39±0.04 – 0.45±0.07 g, respectively) of nodules per 10 plants. The maximum productivity of green mass (7.41–7.47 t/ha) and hay (1.87–1.89 t/ha) was obtained from peas and spring vetch. The maximum productivity of seeds (1.48–1.51 t/ha) was from peas and chickpeas. Thus, there has been recommended to expand pea crops, including chickpeas and lentils in the crop rotation, and restoring spring vetch crops. To achieve consistently high yields of these leguminous crops, it is necessary to sow them in the early stages with seeds of higher reproductions, treated before sowing with appropriate disinfectants and microfertilizers.

Winter cover crops decreased soil mineral N contents and increased soil organic C stocks and N2O emission

Cover crops (CC) can contribute to climate protection as a result of their effects on soil nitrogen (N) cycling and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission and by increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. This study explored the influence of different winter CC (saia oat, winter rye and spring vetch) compared with bare fallow, followed by silage maize on N2O emissions and soil mineral N (SMN) dynamics, as well as on SOC stocks in year-round replicated field plot experiments in four fields located at two sites in northern Germany (Kiel, Uelzen) over two consecutive years (2018/19 and 2019/20). Non-legume CC decreased SMN contents in 0–30 cm during the CC period, but this did not result in decreased cumulative N2O emissions over that time. Decreased emissions during CC growth were offset by increased emissions during CC mineralisation after frost and incorporation. Higher cumulative N2O emissions during the maize period in all CC treatments compared with bare fallow (significant for non-legume CC) indicated that the incorporated CC biomass still boosted N2O emissions under the following crop. Overall, including CC in the cropping system increased annual and yield-related N2O emissions compared with bare fallow (significant only for non-legumes). The increase in annual N2O emissions of 0.84 ± 1.06 kg N2O-N ha−1 yr−1 was only partly offset by the estimated mitigation potential for indirect N2O emissions of 0.52 ± 0.14 kg N2O-N ha−1 yr−1. The mean annual increase in SOC induced by growing CC every fourth year over a 50-year period was 40–60 kg C ha−1 yr−1. In summary, CC had both positive and negative effects on greenhouse gas exchange. Site and crop rotation optimised CC systems, and a more precise and site-specific consideration of fertilising effects might help improve the net greenhouse gas budget of CC.

Изучение однолетних травосмесей в условиях северных территорий Архангельской области

The results of a study of annual mixtures of spring oats with spring vetch, field peas, narrow-leaved lupine and spring rapeseed in the conditions of the northern territories of the Arkhangelsk region (Kholmogory district) in 2020–2021 are presented. In the field experiment, according to generally accepted methods, the growth, development and productivity of grass mixtures were studied. The soil of the site is soddy-small-podzolic sandy loam highly cultivated. During the growing season — June and July — the weather conditions differed: in 2020, favorable conditions were formed for the life of annual crops, and in 2021 — dry. As a result of the research, it was found that in the changeable weather conditions of the northern territories of the Arkhangelsk region, it is most preferable to create annual grass stands from varieties of spring oats and field peas intended for use on green mass. Such agrocenoses, at the stated stand density, allow to obtain from 6.31 t/ha to 7.31 t/ha of dry matter, 62.03–70.44 GJ of metabolic energy and 1.01–1.15 t/ha of crude protein. Plants of narrow-leaved lupine and spring rapeseed are upright, do not need support and are not subject to lodging, it is possible to regulate the structure of the crop, and, accordingly, productivity indicators by changing the ratio of sown components and the total density of plants. The use of spring rape in a mixture with spring oats ensures, regardless of weather conditions, the productivity of agrocenoses at the level of the control variant, which makes it possible to diversify the species assortment of crops and reduce the risks of adverse factors.

Cover crop effects on fibrous roots and growth of subsequent sugar beet

Abstract Purpose Cover crops (CC) may increase root growth of the following main crop by improving the soil structure, however, the extent of this effect might depend on the CC species. This study aims at quantifying the effects of different CCs on sugar beet (SB; Beta vulgaris L.) fibrous roots and plant growth. Methods Two field trials were conducted near Göttingen, Central Germany, with SB after four CC treatments: fallow, oil radish, saia oat, and spring vetch, differing in biomass. SB root length density and biomass was analyzed to 60 cm soil depth in July, around 100 days after sowing. From June on, plants were sampled monthly to determine leaf and taproot biomass. CC biomass and SB residues were further analyzed for carbon content. Results SB root length density in 0–20 cm soil depth was increased by the CCs, particularly radish and oat, while in lower depths only non-significant differences were found. Differences between the CC treatments regarding SB leaf and taproot biomass were site-specific with increases in SB biomass after CCs at a site with high N supply, yet no effects on sugar yield were found for either site. Carbon input into the soil was significantly increased through CC cultivation by 47 to 85%. Conclusion CCs with different properties improved fibrous root and overall plant growth of SB to a different extent at sites with contrasting conditions. Future studies under diverse environmental conditions are needed to fully assess the potential benefits of CCs on following SB growth.

The effect of tillage methods on the cellulose-decomposing activity of the soil and on crop yields in crop rotations

In the conditions of the Chuvash Republic in a long-term stationary experiment there has been studied the effect of crop rotations (grain- fallow and green manure) and methods of primary tilling of soil (by the plow PLN-3-35 to the depth of 24-26 cm; by the combined unit KOS-3.0 to 14-16 cm; by the disc header BDM-4-3.2 to 10-12 cm without autumn tilling) on the cellulose-decomposing activity of the soil by the method of setting up flax linen and on the crop yield. The article provides 2016-2020 data. It has been established that plowing increased the total soil porosity (55.3…63.5 %) and provided maximum decomposing of flax linen (42.9…51.3 %). Absence of primary soil tilling led to the statistically significant decrease in the porosity (50.8…59.3 %) and cellulose-decomposing activity (36.1…43.9 %). Maximum yield of crops in crop rotation was obtained by cultivation according to traditional plowing. When replacing plowing by subsoil tillage the use of combined stubble cultivator KOS-3.0 was the best variant. Primary tillage of soil to the depth of 14-16 cm using KOS-3.0 unit instead of plowing led to the significant yield decrease (by 0.29 t/ha) of spring vetch only. Among other cultures of crop rotation there was no significant yield decrease. Complete rejection of autumn soil tillage led to 16-25 % yield loss in grain crops. Plowing to the depth of arable layer (24-26 cm) as primary autumn tillage of soil increased the fertility indicators of dark-gray wooded soil (its total porosity, cellulose-decomposing activity) and yield of cultures in crop rotation. But when changing over to resource saving technologies for primary autumn tilling of soil under grain crops the combined unit stubble cultivator KOS-3.0 should be used.

Effects of winter cover crops from different functional groups on soil-plant nitrogen dynamics and silage maize yield

Cover crops (CCs) are known for their multiple benefits in agro-ecosystems. This is especially true in intensive cropping systems with high nitrogen (N) inputs and considerable post-harvest residual N. Furthermore, research has shown that CCs have the potential to reduce nitrate N leaching losses. The efficacy of ecosystem services by implementing CCs is related to site-specific management optimisation as well as species individual traits. In this study, four winter CCs from different functional groups (oil radish, saia oat, spring vetch, winter rye) were compared to a bare fallow which served as control. Furthermore, the CCs were evaluated in terms of the effects on N immobilisation, mineralisation dynamics, N uptake and biomass accumulation of silage maize used as a subsequent cash crop. Field trials were conducted at two locations, during two consecutive establishment years, with silage maize fertilised with two different N levels (no/sufficient fertiliser). Successful CC growth accumulated between 0.89 (volunteer oilseed rape (OSR)/vetch mixture) and 3.50 Mg dry matter ha−1 (rye). The CCs accumulated between 39 (rye) and 79 kg N ha−1 (radish) in aboveground biomass and significantly reduced soil mineral nitrogen (SMN) by 12 kg N ha−1 during the winter growth period. In the subsequent maize growing season all CCs increased SMN by 45 kg N ha−1 on average compared to the fallow. The C/N ratios in the aboveground biomass of CCs varied between 10.5 and 27.0 in the order: OSR/vetch < radish < rye < oat. Nitrogen uptake of the subsequent silage maize was significantly increased by 53 and 54 kg N ha−1 compared to the fallow without and with added N, respectively. Net N mineralisation indicated periods with net SMN immobilisation under sufficient N fertilisation and was more pronounced after CCs than fallow. Effective N mineralisation during maize growth was significantly higher following CCs without N fertilisation (51 kg N ha−1); however, the increase was lower with added N (43 kg N ha−1). Cover crops increased apparent fertiliser N immobilisation rates during the maize cropping period by 28 % (maize following bare fallow) to 34 % (OSR/vetch > radish, no effect for rye). Maize dry matter yield (15.58/17.33 Mg ha−1 without/with N) did not significantly differ between CCs and bare fallow treatments. Overall, there was a trade-off between N buffering during winter (CC biomass as main driver for N uptake), N supply and utilisation of the subsequent cash crop (C/N ratio of CC residues as main driver for mineralisation) where radish indicated the greatest net benefits for silage maize cropping systems without yield effects.

Ecological plasticity and stability of spring vetch (tare) under conditions of the West Siberian region

The results of evaluating the yield and adaptive properties of the eight varieties and lines of spring vetch (tare Vicia sativa L.) are presented. Kamalinskaya 611 (standard), Novosibirskaya, Baikalskaya × Lgovskaya 34, Baikalskaya × G-252, E-1280, 4604/1-2, GC-964, and Kamalinskaya 611 × Novosibirskaya varieties were included in the study. The productivity of vetch plants in the nursery of preliminary varietal trials is evaluated and the most productive, plastic, stable and adapted samples are identified. The study was conducted in 2017-2019 in the forest-steppe conditions of the Priob'ye region (Novosibirsk region). The most favorable for the formation of green matter yields was 2017, for grain productivity - 2019. The variation in green matter yields ranged from 25.20 (Novosibirskaya in 2018) to 40.70 t/ ha (Kamalinskaya 611 × Novosibirskaya in 2017), and seeds from 1.50 (Kamalinskaya 611 in 2017) to 3.16 t/ha (Kamalinskaya 611 × Novosibirskaya in 2018). Baikalskaya × G-252 and Kamalinskaya 611 × Novosibirskaya samples stood out with the lowest variability and the highest homeostasis in the formation of grain yield, while the lines E-1280 and 4604/1-2 stood out in terms of green matter yield. Baikalskaya × G-252 (by grain yield); Baikalskaya × Lgovskaya 34 (by biomass) and Kamalinskaya 611 × Novosibirskaya (by grain yield and biomass) were selected for breeding value. Among the most responsive to improving conditions and stable are Baikalskaya × Lgovskaya 34 and Kamalinskaya 611 in terms of grain productivity and biomass yield - Kamalinskaya 611 × Novosibirskaya.

Sources of economically valuable traits of spring vetch samples

Sources of economically valuable traits of spring vetch samples

Response of Field Pea and Common Vetch, Grown as a Catch Crop, on the Sowing Method

In temperate climate zones, long periods without rainfall or with excessive rainfall are common during sowing and the initial vegetation of a catch crop. These periods can result in poor emergence and/or low yields. The study aimed to determine the influence of the depth of furrow sowing of catch crops on the soil moisture in the immediate vicinity of the seeds sown (1), dynamics of germination and plant emergence (2), and the biomass yield (3). Three furrow sowing depths (4–5 cm FS-S, 6–7 cm FS-M, and 8–9 cm FS-D) were tested and compared with traditional sowing (TS) in the cultivation of field pea and spring vetch catch crops. High amounts of precipitation were stated in the study period, especially in years 2016 and 2017. Furrow sowing enabled placing seeds in soil layers characterized by higher moisture content than traditional sowing. The sowing method did not significantly affect the plant density in any of the three years of the study. Field pea turned out to be a more valuable species for cultivation in catch crops in conditions with excessive precipitation. This plant produced a significantly greater yield of above-ground dry matter and total biomass than spring vetch. The sowing method did not affect the yield of catch crop biomass in study conditions.

Effect of conventional and organic farming on crop yielding and water erosion intensity on sloping farmland

The pro-health and pro-environmental assets of organic farming are a reason why this system is now promoted in agriculture. The objective of the research was to determine the effect of conventional and organic crop production (potato, oat, and spring vetch) on the yield, water erosion, losses of NPK nutrients, LAI, infiltration, and fresh mass of earthworms. From 2019 to 2021, a two-factor field experiment was carried out at the Mountain Experimental Station located in Czyrna (Southern Poland). The first factor included farming systems: conventional and organic. The second factor consisted of 3 crops grown with the use of crop rotation: 1. potato with manure; 2. oat; 3. spring vetch. Based on the experiment performed, it was found that the yield of the organically grown crops was on average 18.8% lower compared to that grown conventionally. Under the organic farming system, the mass of sheet wash was on average 6.47% smaller than that under the conventional farming system. As regards the NPK nutrients emitted into the environment, their losses was about 50% lower than that under the conventional system of farming, where there were applied artificially synthesized fertilizers and pesticides.

Estimation of Biomass and N Uptake in Different Winter Cover Crops from UAV-Based Multispectral Canopy Reflectance Data

Cover crops are known to provide beneficial effects to agricultural systems such as a reduction in nitrate leaching, erosion control, and an increase in soil organic matter. The monitoring of cover crops’ growth (e.g., green area index (GAI), nitrogen (N) uptake, or dry matter (DM)) using remote sensing techniques allows us to identify the physiological processes involved and to optimise management decisions. Based on the data of a two-year trial (2018, 2019) in Kiel, Northern Germany, the multispectral sensor Sequoia (Parrot) was calibrated to the selected parameters of the winter cover crops oilseed radish, saia oat, spring vetch, and winter rye as sole cover crops and combined in mixtures. Two simple ratios (SRred, SRred edge) and two normalised difference indices (NDred, NDred edge) were calculated and tested for their predicting power. Furthermore, the advantage of the species/mixture–individual compared to the universal models was analysed. SRred best predicted GAI, DM, and N uptake (R2: 0.60, 0.53, 0.45, respectively) in a universal model approach. The canopy parameters of saia oat and spring vetch were estimated by species–individual models, achieving a higher R2 than with the universal model. Comparing mixture–individual models to the universal model revealed low relative error differences below 3%. The findings of the current study serve as a tool for the rapid and inexpensive estimation of cover crops’ canopy parameters that determine environmental services.

Temporal dynamics of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) N supply from cover crops differing in biomass quantity and composition.

Cover crops are supposed to decrease the soil mineral N content (Nmin) during winter and increase the N supply to subsequent main crops due to mineralization of N previously prevented from leaching. However, data on N supply from cover crops grown before sugar beet have rarely been reported for Central European conditions. Therefore, our study aimed to provide information for cover crops differing in frost resistance and biomass quantity applicable for N fertilizer dressing in the subsequent main crop. In 2018/19 and 2019/20, field trials were conducted on two Luvisol sites in Germany typical for sugar beet cultivation, comprising a sequence of autumn sown cover crops grown after field pea followed by unfertilized sugar beet main crops sown in next spring. Apparent net N mineralization and the N effect of cover crops on sugar beet were calculated according to a mass balance approach including Nmin and sugar beet N uptake. Winter rye and oil radish revealed the greatest potential for scavenging nitrate from the soil profile while reductions caused by frost-sensitive saia oat and spring vetch were more variable. The amount of N in the cover crop biomass was negatively correlated with Nmin in autumn and also in spring. Thus, for environmentally effective cover cropping in Central Europe, species with a sufficiently high frost tolerance should be chosen. Despite cover crop N uptake up to 170 kg N ha−1 and C:N ratios < 20, a positive N effect on sugar beet was only found between March and July of the beet growing season and was 50 kg N ha−1 at maximum, while between August and September, net immobilization was predominant with up to 100 kg N ha−1. Differences among crop species were not consistent across the site/years investigated. Sugar yield was lowest after rye at 3 sites/years and correlated positively with Nmin in spring. Correlation between yield and cover crop N effect was mostly low and inconsistent and could not be improved by a multiple regression approach. Thus, factors other than in-season N supply from cover crops apparently impacted sugar beet yield formation to a larger extent.

Evaluation of the role of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) green manure in crop rotations

Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) is an annual legume, grown as green manure provide rapid soil cover, can increase soil moisture and organic matter content and reduce soil erosion during fall. During the fallow period, legumes grown as catch crops are known by releasing large amounts of mineral nitrogen (N) for the subsequent crop. By taking advantage of these benefits, it is possible to increase the yield of the next crop in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. The goal of this study was to determine the value of common vetch as a green manure, considering its effect on soil conditions and the yield of next crops. We examined three different common vetch seed rate as a green manure in a crop rotation with triticale, oat and corn. Next to the green manured treatments, we used fertilized and bare fallow control treatment for comparison. In our study we evaluated the aboveground biomass weight of spring vetch green manure and its effect on the moisture content of the soil. We examined the green manure’s effect on the next crops plant height and yield. We found that the moisture content of the green manured plots was significantly higher during summer drought. On the green manured plots, 37.9% higher triticale yield, 50% higher oat yield and 44% higher corn yield were measured compared to the control plots. The insertion of spring vetch green manuring into crop rotations could be a good alternative to sustainable nutrient replenishment methods. It can be used to reduce the input needs of farming, reduce carbon footprint, contribute to the protection of soils and increase the organic matter content of the soil.

Effect of Catch Crops and Tillage Systems on the Content of Selected Nutrients in Spring Wheat Grain

This paper presents the effects of catch crops (white mustard, lacy phacelia, and a mixture of legumes—faba bean + spring vetch) and two tillage systems (plough tillage and no-tillage) on some quality parameters of spring wheat grain. A field experiment in growing spring wheat in monoculture was conducted in the period 2016–2018 in Czesławice (central part of the Lublin region, Poland). An assumption was made that the nutritional composition of wheat grain could be influenced already at the stage of selection of agronomic practices by modifying the soil chemical and enzyme composition—being the “starting point” for grain quality. It was proven that all the catch crops tested in this study contributed to an improvement in the chemical composition of the soil used in the experiment (a significant increase in humus, P and Mg content). Both the catch crops and the conservation (no-tillage) system stimulated the activity of soil enzymes: dehydrogenase and urease. This resulted in more favorable soil conditions for spring wheat grown in monoculture. The cultivation of the catch crops (particularly white mustard) indirectly contributed to an increased content of dietary fiber and o-dihydroxyphenols in wheat grain. Moreover, the content of most of the amino acids determined and the essential amino acid index (EAAI) in wheat grain were found to be more favorable in the treatments with the catch crops. The highest content of all the macro- and micronutrients analyzed in wheat grain was found in the catch crop treatments (especially that with white mustard). It should be noted that spring wheat responded favorably to the reduced tillage system (no-tillage). Since the grain content of o-dihydroxyphenols, magnesium, calcium, copper, manganese, iron, selenium, and some amino acids (especially essential ones: Lys, Met, Trp) was found to be higher compared to plough tillage.

Cover crop effects on soil structure and early sugar beet growth

AbstractCover crops can improve soil properties, especially soil structure, through organic matter input and rooting activity. However, large variations exist among cover crops, which may lead to differences in the extent of these effects. In this study, cover crops with differing properties were compared regarding soil structure and subsequent sugar beet growth. Field experiments were conducted at two Luvisol sites in Central Germany. Four cover crops (oil radish, saia oat, spring vetch and winter rye) were compared with fallow. Cover crop effects on soil water, Nmin content, soil structure and subsequent early sugar beet growth were studied. Additionally, sugar beet received either no or optimal N fertilizer application. Rye and radish had the highest and vetch the lowest above‐ and belowground biomass. Soil water content was hardly affected by cover cropping, while topsoil Nmin contents in April were increased. Penetration resistance was lowered, and aggregate stability was increased by the cover crops, especially oil radish, while values after spring vetch were similar to those of fallow. Differences among the cover crops might be because of a differing root biomass. Independent of N fertilizer application, sugar beet biomass in May tended to be higher after all cover crops, in particular under oil radish. The higher aggregate stability and lower penetration resistance were found to be beneficial for early sugar beet growth. Thus, sugar beet can benefit from a 1‐year cultivation of preceding cover crops. Modifications of this effect through cover crop root biomass and architecture as well as repeated cover cropping need to be investigated in further studies.

ДОБІР ГЕНОТИПІВ ГОРОШКУ ПОСІВНОГО (ЯРОГО), СТІЙКИХ ДО АБІОТИЧНИХ ФАКТОРІВ ДОВКІЛЛЯ В АГРОЦЕНОЗАХ З РІЗНИМИ ПІДТРИМУЮЧИМИ КУЛЬТУРАМИ

Artificial selection of spring vetch began with hybrid materials selected from the nursery of the F1 hybrids. When studying spring vetch on different backgrounds, there was a significant difference between the offspring in terms of plant survival rate: against the background of oats, its values ranged from 21.8 to 34.4 % with an average of 27.5 %, and after white mustard - from 40 .2 to 53.35 % at - 47.2 %. Stabilization of the competitiveness of spring vetch in mixed sowing with oats was not observed, but there was a decrease in the share of full-fledged plants of the artificial population F4 from 0.5 to 7.9% compared to F3. There were more full-fledged spring vetch plants against the background of mustard, it was indicates that mustard has much lower competitiveness compared to oats. It was found that in each population plants with low productivity prevailed both after oats and after white mustard. The selection coefficient (per a sheaf) averaged from 19 % against background oats and up to 34.1 % - after white mustard, a total of 2240 elite plants were selected. Thus, at the first stage, spring vetch plants survived under cultivation with a supporting crop were selected. The survival rate of spring vetch in the agrocenosis with oats varied from 17.3 to 31.3 %. 2054 elite plants were obtained. The second stage of the artificial selection nursery was formed from the material of spring vetch which was tested for resistance to the competitive background of the previous year. The survival rate of spring vetch plants varied from 17.6 % to 24.5 %, 2432 elite plants were obtained. At the third stage, the offspring of spring vetch in mixed sowing with oat and white mustard was studied: 546 elite plants against the background of oat and 1694 against the background of white mustard were selected, with a total of 2240 elite plants selected. The percentage of selected plants indicates that spring vetch genotypes which cannot compete with the supporting crops and between themselves are eliminated from the population. Purposeful selection of artificial hybrid population of spring vetch promotes the formation of genetically balanced lines with increased resistance to abiotic environmental factors. Key words: spring vetch, hybrid, selection, productivity, mixed sowing.

Terms of sowing forage crops for haylage production under the conditions of Central Yakutia

In recent years the agricultural production in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) has been introducing the technology of haylage production, which can replace part of the silage and hay in the ration of animals. However, stable raw materials of herbage are not enough for the technology of haylage production in Yakutia. Natural forage lands cannot provide a new technology of haylage production with herbage, since the entire area of haymaking goes to hay harvesting. Therefore, the selection of forage crops to create a reliable raw material base for haylage is a very relevant research topic. The purpose of the research was to study the terms of sowing forage crops for haylage production under the conditions in the Central Yakutia. The research has been carried out in the research and production permanent out-station in the M. G. Safronov Yakut Scientifi c Research Institute of Agriculture for three years. The experimental site was located on the second above-fl oodplain terrace of the Lena River Valley. The objects of research were the following varieties of zoned annual crops – oats of Pokrovsky variety 9, peas of Capital variety, spring vetch of Priobskaya variety 25, barley of Tammy variety. It has been found as a result of research that in the soil and climatic conditions in the Central Yakutia for the production of haylage for plant growth and development, dynamics of accumulation of dry matter, yield and nutritional qualities, the most effective mixtures are: vetch (1,2 million pcs/ha) + oats (2,5 million pcs/ha) and peas (0,8 million pcs/ha) + oats (2,5 million pcs/ha) germinating seeds. As the result of the conducted research, the optimal terms for sowing annual grasses for haylage have been established such as the 1st term (sowing in the third decade of May, harvesting in the first decade of August), the 2nd term (sowing in the second decade of June, harvesting in the third decade of August), the 3rd term (sowing in the first decade of July, harvesting in the first decade of September) in the phase of milk-wax ripeness in cereals and in the phase of fruit formation in legumes.