OPTIMIZATION OF MOISTURE SUPPLY FOR FORAGE CROP ROTATION DEPENDING ON THE PRIMARY TILLAGE SYSTEM

Abstract

The article presents the results of studies on the influence of different primary tillage systems on the reserves of productive moisture under the crops of a forage crop rotation. The aim of the research was to determine the patterns of soil water regime formation and to identify the optimal tillage practices that ensure the most efficient use of soil moisture and stable crop yields. The study was conducted under the conditions of the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine on typical medium loamy chernozem. Two tillage systems were examined – conventional plowing and flat-cut (chisel) tillage. It was found that the depth and method of cultivation did not have a significant effect on the accumulation and consumption of productive moisture during the growing season of corn for silage, barley with undersowing clover, and clover. The highest moisture reserves in the arable layer were observed during plowing, which ensured a reduction in evaporation, improved soil permeability, and a more uniform distribution of moisture in the soil profile was noted, which had a positive effect on the development of forage crops. It was found that the depth and method of tillage significantly affect the accumulation and utilization of productive moisture during the growing period of maize for silage, barley + clover mixture, and clover of the second year of use. The highest moisture reserves in the arable layer were recorded under flat-cut tillage, which reduced evaporation losses and improved soil water permeability. A more uniform distribution of moisture within the soil profile was also observed, positively influencing the development of forage crops. The results confirm the expediency of a differentiated approach to the choice of tillage system depending on the crop, soil and climatic conditions, and moisture availability during vegetation. In the zone of sufficient moisture on medium loamy chernozem, the reserves of productive moisture under maize for silage did not depend significantly on the tillage method. Two years of flat-cut tillage under barley with clover undersowing slightly increased the moisture reserves in the one-meter soil layer compared to plowing. For clover, the amount of productive moisture did not depend on the tillage system, since no primary tillage was applied directly before this crop. Optimization of tillage contributes to the more efficient use of natural resources, preservation of soil fertility, and stabilization of the productivity of the forage crop rotation.