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Formation of sunflower hybrid productivity by resource saving cultivation technologies in southern Ukraine
Get PDFThe implementation of resource-efficient technology in contemporary agricultural production enhances the productivity and efficiency of sunflower farming while mitigating environmental harm. The research aimed to examine the impact of various tillage techniques on sunflower farming in southern Ukraine. A field study was undertaken from 2021 to 2023 at the Educational and Research Centre of Mykolaiv National Agrarian University to achieve this objective. The research established that traditional tillage yields the lowest density of the topsoil (0-10 cm), signifying good soil aeration. At the same time, no-till cultivation is characterised by the highest soil density, but it helps to increase the reserves of productive moisture at all depths. Before sunflower harvesting, the no-till moisture content was 134 mm in the 0-100 cm layer, which is 26 mm more than in conventional tillage. The study showed that plant height and vegetative mass growth of sunflowers were higher than no-till in all growth stages. In the phase of two pairs of true leaves, the height of the plants under no-till was 16.8 cm, and during flowering – 176.2 cm. The growth of vegetative mass in the phase of two pairs of true leaves under no-till reached 135 g/m2 and in the phase of seed formation – 1,380 g/m2. The leaf area index under no-till was the highest in all phases of sunflower growth, in the flowering phase it was 4.8 m2/m2, which is 10% higher than under conventional tillage (4.2). The chlorophyll content was also the highest under no-till and in the flowering phase at 46 (SPAD units). In addition, the sunflower yield under conventional tillage was 3.56 t/ha, under minimum tillage – 3.85 t/ha, and no-till was the highest at 3.95 t/ha. The practical value of the study is to provide scientifically based recommendations for agricultural enterprises on the choice of the optimal method of soil cultivation, which can increase the competitiveness of Ukrainian sunflowers on the world marke
Adaptive variability of early potato in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to investigate the dynamics of early potato yield formation at 40 days depending on the weather conditions of the research years and the adaptive potential of early potato cultivars. During 2018-2024, 10 cultivars of early potatoes common in the Forest-Steppe zone were investigated in the field (Uman, 48°46′N, 30°14′E). To analyse the results obtained, the study employed generally accepted methods of field and genetic-statistical research. During the study, the number and weight of marketable tubers in the bush, the dynamics of crop formation on the 40th day after germination, and the strength of the correlation between yield and rainfall were investigated. As a result of the data obtained, the most promising cultivars were identified for early potato harvest in the Forest-Steppe region of Ukraine. It was found that this climatic zone is best suited to the cultivars Bazaliia, Tornado and Madison with a yield of 11.0-11.7 t/ha and a large weight of marketable tubers – 58-60 g. In the full ripeness phase, the most productive cultivars were Madison – 37.2 t/ha (+18.6 t/ha of control), Tornado – 34.7 t/ha (+16.1 t/ha of control), Duma and Bazaliia – 31.4 and 32.2 t/ha, respectively (+12.8 t/ha 13.6 t/ha of control, respectively). The study found that the Tornado and Madison cultivars form the largest number of marketable tubers in the bush. Analysis of the semi-ratio of plasticity and stability parameters contributed to the grouping of cultivars into intensive ones (Sanibel, Radomysl, Duma, Bazaliia and Madison had indicators bi > 1, σ2d > 0 and plastic (Povin, Vzirets, Skrabnytsia, Bernina and Tornado). As a result of the study, the most productive potato cultivars for early production were identified, which will ensure the stable development of the vegetable growing industry in the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine, and the calculated statistical models will allow predicting and directing the programming of potato yield
Role of agriculture in the development of Ukrainian socio-economic potential
Get PDFThe agricultural sector is key to the development of the Ukrainian economy, especially in times of war, as it helps to maintain the standard of living of its citizens. In this regard, the interaction between the sector and society is relevant to the study. The study aimed to assess the relationship between certain metrics of living standards and agricultural output. The study addressed the role of the agricultural sector in Ukraine and its origins. In addition, a detailed analysis was carried out in the context of existing problems separately for livestock and crop production. The study further substantiated the connection between the agricultural sector and the social well-being of the rural population of Ukraine due to the sector’s ability to create a significant number of jobs. Using correlation and regression analysis, the study concluded that agricultural output does indeed affect the standard of living of the local population, particularly the gross domestic product per capita. The results show that an increase in agricultural production directly contributes to economic growth, reinforcing the importance of this sector in Ukrainian long-term development strategy. The study also showed what the long-term development of the agricultural sector in Ukraine should be in the long term, and what actions should be taken to achieve these goals, by the state. The findings of the study can be used to formulate state policy in the agricultural sector in the context of the impact on the social component of the countr
Oscillatory spatial and temporal variability of precipitation in Polissia and Forest-Steppe and the impact of agricultural landscape transformation
Get PDFThe territories of Polissia and Forest-Steppe are of great importance to Ukraine, offering significant potential for the advancement of agriculture and forestry. In light of the pressing issue of global climate change, it is imperative that the active economic utilisation of these territories be guided by a commitment to the maintenance of ecological systems and the sustenance of ecosystem functions. The objective of this article was to ascertain the patterns of both spatial and temporal precipitation variability and to establish the impact of anthropogenic land transformation as a consequence of agricultural production. Within the study area, the average precipitation level was 625±68 mm and ranged from 535 to 1,160 mm. During the study period (1960-2023), there was a trend of increasing and decreasing precipitation. The southeast of the region was characterised by a decreasing trend in precipitation, while in the northwest and north, the time trend showed an increase in precipitation. Precipitation in the Carpathian region is much higher than in other parts of the territory. The presence of an oscillatory regularity in precipitation rhythm allows for consideration of two practical aspects: the possibility of forecasting future precipitation dynamics based on available information from previous years, and accounting for the fluctuating precipitation dynamics when recommending optimal crop rotations and selecting the most suitable range of crop varieties for cultivatio
Drivers of inclusive rural infrastructure development in Ukraine
Get PDFThe economic system of a society involves the constant movement of goods, services, money, securities, and labour. The coordinated interaction of market mechanism elements is achieved through their balanced development. It is impossible to increase the efficiency of the agricultural sector of the country’s economy without improving rural infrastructure. The article is devoted to the study of theoretical and practical provisions for accelerating the development of rural infrastructure, ensuring access to it for all segments of the rural population and developing recommendations for improving the living standards of rural residents. The main research methods used were analysis of scientific literature, analysis of statistical data, comparative analysis, and expert assessments. The research paper examined the main indicators of improving the living standards of rural residents in terms of political, social and economic aspects. In order to adjust the goals of sustainable development, the article characterised the losses caused to infrastructure as a result of theft, destruction or damage to facilities. It is shown that the impact of economic growth on poverty alleviation increases with the growth of human capital, but weakens with significant income inequality. Particular attention was paid to indicators of improving the living standards of rural residents in terms of political, social and economic aspects. Conclusions were also drawn on the main tasks facing rural communities to ensure their sustainable development. The practical value of the study lies in the empirical results obtained, which can be used to develop and implement the state policy of rural development. The developed recommendations may be useful for local governments, public organisations and other entities involved in rural development. It is proposed to use the experience of Poland on the way to inclusive rural infrastructure developmen
Assessment of state supports and subsidies efficiency in ensuring financial security of Ukrainian agricultural enterprises
Get PDFThe study aimed to assess the impact of state subsidies and loans on the financial stability and competitiveness of Ukrainian agricultural enterprises in the face of economic challenges. Comparative analysis, content analysis of reports and data on state support for the agricultural sector for 2025, and theoretical research methods were used to identify possible areas for improving existing financial instruments. An analysis of the budgetary allocations for state subsidies shows that UAH 4.726 billion is earmarked for the support of farmers in 2025, which will help reduce production costs and increase the competitiveness of agricultural enterprises. An assessment of tax privileges, particularly the special VAT regime, has shown its importance for reducing costs and maintaining the competitiveness of farmers. The study also included an analysis of concessional loans, in particular the Affordable Loans 5-7-9% programme, which is an important tool for supporting agricultural enterprises in Ukraine. In 2024, according to PrivatBank, more than 3,000 loans worth UAH https://doi.org/10.6 billion were granted to agricultural enterprises. The mechanisms of state support in Ukraine and Canada were compared. The Canadian experience demonstrates that certain mechanisms can be adapted, such as subsidies for machinery and support for small farms. The results showed that government subsidies, loans and tax privileges significantly impact the financial stability of agricultural enterprises in Ukraine, providing access to finance, reducing costs and increasing market competitivenes
Effect of Sesbania Sesban Alley Cropping on Sorghum Yield and Soil Physicochemical Properties at Fedis District, East Hararghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
Get PDFSorghum production is low due to low soil fertility. The study was to evaluate the effects of S. sesban alley croppig on sorghum yield and soil physicochemical properties. Four treatments (S. sesban alley cropping, S.sesban alley cropping+50% of RF, S.sesban AC+75% of RF and sole sorghum with 100% RF) were laid out in RCBD with three replications. The results show that the treatments differ significantly (p<0.05) in soil nutrients and sorghum grain yield. Plots treated with S. sesban AC only gave the highest Av P(8.04 mg/kg) and Av K(344.5 cmol/ kg), whereas the highest OC %(1.73%), TN(0.15%) and CEC(40.94 cmol / kg) were recorded in the S. sesban AC+50% of RF over the control. Yield and above ground biomass of sorghum were the highest recorded comparable yield (3.44 t/ha) and biomass (8.24 t/ha) in the plots of sole sorghum with 100% RF(control) than treated plots S. sesban alley cropping. Overall average yield and above ground biomass of sorghum were the highest recorded under sorghum with 100% RF (2.71t /ha) yield and above ground biomass (7.47t / ha). Significant benefits are derived from alley cropping in terms of other ecosystem services, including the provision of fuel wood and fodder, reduction of erosion and carbon sequestration. It is, therefore, concluded that sorghum with 100% recommended fertilizer to improve sorghum productivity. S. sesban alley cropping+50% of recommended fertilizer can be used to improve soil fertility in the study area and further research should be conducted across different locations for at least four seasons to substantiate this conclusion
Organic Weed Management in Soybean (Glycine Max L.), Recent Trends, Challenges and Future Predictions
Get PDFSoybean (Glycine max L.) is a vital crop with significant contributions to global food security due to its high protein and oil content. However, weed infestation poses a major threat to soybean yield, necessitating effective management strategies. This review explores recent trends, challenges, and future predictions in organic weed management for soybean cultivation. The discussion covers various non-chemical weed control methods, including preventive, cultural, mechanical, thermal, and biological approaches. Preventive measures focus on preventing the introduction and spread of weed species, while cultural practices such as narrow row spacing and high seeding density enhance crop competitiveness. Mechanical and thermal methods provide effective weed control without chemical intervention. Biological control, though less prevalent, offers environmentally friendly alternatives. The review highlights the benefits of weeds in agro-ecosystems, such as reducing soil erosion and enhancing soil structure. It also addresses the challenges of herbicide resistance and the need for integrated weed management (IWM) strategies to reduce herbicide dependency. The future outlook emphasizes the importance of merging conventional and organic weed management practices to achieve sustainable soybean production
The methods of water stress negative effect reduction in winter rapeseeds
Get PDFThe article presents the results of the influence of nitrogen mineral fertilizers and multifunctional feeding Helafit Combi® in different periods of use (early spring feeding and leaf foliar feeding) in winter rape sowing on the level of leaf vegetation. It is proved that the coefficient of water consumption significantly decreased after fertilizing and the use of the growth regulating feedings. Neither fertilizers in the form of early spring feeding, nor leaf treatment with Helafit Combi® alone did not affect the growth and development processes, but their combination. If the treatment of plants with N60 reduces the water consumption by 3.6%, and the treatment with Helafit Combi® reduces this figure by only 2.7%, then the synergistic effect can be observed in their complex action (water consumption decreases by 9.3%, and optionally from N90 + Helafit Combi® - by 14.5%). After fertilization with the N90 dose, the maximum level of crop yield was achieved, and in the complex with foliar feeding with Helafit Combi® there was achieved increase in yields of up to 1,3 t/ha or 56%
Polymorphism of MSTN and INS loci in connection with live weight indexes of chickens
Get PDFChickens live weight values of line G2 in the age of 17, 21 and 27 weeks of life depending on the genotypes of MSTN and INS loci was analyzed. Chickens live weight on the 21th week of life was reliably higher (p≤0,05) for AG heterozygotes comparing to GG homozygotes of MSTN G2109A mutation on 8,1 %; to population mean value – on 5,3 %. There were no significant differences for INS A+3971G mutation