INFLUENCE OF SOIL CULTIVATION SYSTEM COMPLEX ON GERMINATION CHARACTERISTICS AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF CHICORY

Abstract

The article notes that the system of soil cultivation for chicory is almost the same as for other field crops. The peculiarities are that the crop forms a large vegetative mass and a relatively small root system. This makes it more important for soil fertility and moisture. Therefore, chicory requires careful cultivation, especially of the topsoil. Due to its physical properties, chicory seeds absorb moisture poorly, germinate slowly, and seedlings appear 15–20 days after sowing. The main task of the soil cultivation system is also to create a deep arable layer, increase aeration, accumulate sufficient moisture and nutrients in the soil, reduce weeds, control diseases and pests, and a special agrotechnical measure is to develop and level the topsoil. Such cultivation will promote friendly germination of seeds, intensive growth and development of plants, and ensure high yields and nutritional value of chicory. As a result of experimental studies, it was found that complex systemic tillage for chicory root not only contributes to the accumulation and preservation of moisture in the soil, but also provides the ability to sow seeds at a set depth in a moist layer, evenly without gaps with straight and parallel row placement. Sowing into moist, well-developed soil promotes intensive seed germination and increases their field germination. Also, the research results confirmed that in most cases, depending on the chicory variety and the place of its cultivation, the carbohydrate complex (inulides + sugars) gave high rates that are close to those of sugar beet roots, which are rich in dry matter content.