EFFICIENCY OF VARIOUS METHODS FOR MANAGING THE CROP YIELD OF BAY MEADOWS IN THE KOMI REPUBLIC
Natural hayfields in floodplain meadows are seen as a source of high quality forage for animal husbandry. Due to annual silt and plant seed load, these agrocenoses are able to support themselves and self-repair. However, intensive use depletes them. Thus, the average hay yield decreses from 3.5-4.0 to 1.2-1.5 t/ha. The return of some elements of mineral nutrition, as well as the use of various microfertilizers and growth stimulators should bring the yield of floodplain meadows back to the level of natural biological situation. Sysola and Vycheda vareties with application of mineral fertilizers (R45К45+N30 and R45К45), two types of microfertilizers (boron and molybdenum), three growth stimulators (Verva, Epin-extra, Gumat) and two specimens on the basis of pectin polysaccharides with stimulating effect (PAo and HSw) were developed at the Institute of Biotechnologies in Agriculture of Komi FIC NTs UD RAS (Komi Republic, Syktyvkar) and tested in floodplain meadows of the river. The authors explored various combinations of these options. The experiment was conducted at three pilot sites in 2008-2010; 2013-2015 and 2016-2018. As a result of the research, it was found out that floodplain meadows intensively used as hayfields are most in need of replenishment with phosphorus and potassium. Application of various microelements and growth stimulators in the pure form increased yields by 30-40 % with a comparable energy coefficient and lower energy intensity of feed. The most effective method was the variant with application of Verva specimen together with the full dose of mineral fertilizers. This method increased the yield by 2 times, provided the maximum yield of forage units - 1.5-2.3 thousand / ha. At the same time, the energy intensity of forage was 20% lower than in the control variant.