ANALYSIS OF THE PROFITABILITY OF GROWING HERBS AND THE MOST COMMONLY CULTIVATED AGRICULTURAL CROP SPECIES

Background. The aim of this study was to determine the profitability index of herbs (evening primrose, glandular plantain, black caraway, garden dill) and to compare it with the index of dominant species in the cropping system in Poland.Material and methods. Economic analyzes were carried out based on accounting books made available by the owners of two farms located in the Koronowo Gmina (community) of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship and on data provided by the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Agricultural Advisory Centre. The calculations concern the years 2017–2019 and took into account production value, the amount of gross margin, net agricultural income and profitability index.Results. The calculations carried out confirmed the hypothesis that in most cases growing herbs in the field is more profitable than it is for other plant species. The analysis showed that glandular plantain and garden dill had the highest profitability indices. Herbs from which lower financial results were obtained still enabled an income similar to that from sugar beet, pea or winter oilseed rape. The most profitable among the other species was table potato. A farmer's decision regarding the choice of plants for cultivation on a farm should depend on the possibility of selling the produced raw materials on local markets and on their base of machinery and equipment. The study has shown that growing plants from groups that occupy the largest acreage in the cropping structure is characterized by the need to incur very high overheads.Conclusion. Some selected herbs are characterized by a large profitability index that is even several times higher when compared to commonly cultivated agricultural crop species. While other analyzed herb species allow for an income that is at a similar level compared to crops that occupy the largest acreage in Poland. The selection of herbs for cultivation is an economic opportunity, especially for farms with a small area. Their cultivation enables larger agricultural incomes due to their relatively low overhead costs compared to other species. Herb cultivation, however, is a very specific branch of agriculture that requires more human labour.

PROXIMITY EFFECT OF SPRING CEREALS AND LEGUMES IN STRIP INTERCROPPING. PART IV. RESPONSE OF TRITICALE TO THE PROXIMITY OF WHEAT, BARLEY, PEA AND YELLOW LUPINE

Background. Because of its relatively low soil requirements and resistance to abiotic stress spring triticale is potentially a good component of mixtures (intercropping). The technologically easiest to use type of this agricultural method, i.e. mixed intercropping, despite having many advantages is not, unfortunately, gaining in importance due to problems related to crop protection and the variable composition of yield. An alternative is strip intercropping, which combines the advantages of pure sowing and intercropping. The production value of such cultivation depends on mutual interactions at the junction of neighbouring rows of different plant species. The aim of the undertaken experiments was to find out the response of spring triticale to the neighbouring occurrence of wheat, barley, pea and yellow lupine and to estimate the production effects of strip intercropping of triticale in the vicinity of plants of these species. Material and methods. This study uses the results of field experiments conducted as part of research on mixed sowings carried out in 2008–2010 in Mochełek near Bydgoszcz (53o13’ N; 17o51’ E). The experimental factor was the location of a plant row, within a strip, for the first four rows into the strip from the neighbouring species. The first row (contact row) was 12.5 cm away from the first row of the neighbouring species. The experimental unit was subsequent plant rows each four metres long. Results. Proximity of spring wheat, spring barley and pea was unfavourable for the growth and yield of spring triticale, especially in the row directly adjacent to a stand of the indicated species. The estimated reduction in triticale yield in strip intercropping, with three-meter wide strips in the two-sided neighbourhood of wheat, barley and pea, would amount to 2.67%, 4.85% and 4.36%, respectively. On the other hand, the proximity of yellow lupine resulted in a slight increase in the plant mass, including straw, the number of grains per spike and in grain yield, but only in the first row. The estimated increase in the yield of spring triticale grown in strip intercropping with yellow lupine, in 3-m-wide strips, was small and only amounted to 1.45%. Conclusion. The selection of plant species to neighbour with spring triticale in strip intercropping had a significant impact on the effect of spring triticale cultivation.

IMPACT OF A GROWTH ENHANCEMENT SUPPORT SCHEME ON COCOA YIELD AND INCOME OF COCOA FARMERS IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Background. In an attempt to improve the yield of cocoa and farmers income, the Federal government of Nigeria in 2012 introduced the Cocoa Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme that subsidized farm inputs to farmers. This article examines the effects of the scheme on cocoa yield and the income of cocoa farmers in Osun State.Material and methods. A multistage sampling procedure was used to obtain data from 208 cocoa farmers of whom there were 100 participants and 108 non-participants of the scheme. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the binary logit regression model and the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) model.Results. Descriptive statistics revealed no mean difference between some socioeconomic characteristics among the categories of farmers in the study area such as household size, farming experience, age and education. The results further revealed that participation in previous government intervention programs, access to extension services and access to credit were significant determinants of participation in the GES scheme. Participation in the GES scheme increased cocoa yield and income of cocoa farmers by 42.30 kg·ha-1 and 24553.99 N·ha-1 (59.71 €·ha-1), respectively.Conclusion. This suggests that a subsidy on farm inputs could increase cocoa yield and the income of cocoa farmers.

RESPONSE OF SPRING BARLEY TO FOLIAR FERTILIZATION WITH Cu AND Mn

Background. Spring barley grain yield and chemical composition depend on mineral fertilization as well as soil and climatic conditions during plant growth. It is especially important to provide fertilization with microelements that are connected with photosynthesis and respiration rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of foliar fertilization with manganese and copper on grain yield and its components, chlorophyll content in leaves, selected chlorophyll fluorescence indexes, leaf area index (LAI) and the chemical composition of grain in 3 spring barley fodder cultivars and 1 malting cultivar.Material and methods. The field experiment was carried out during 2014‒2016 at the Experimental Station for Variety Testing in Dukla (49o55’ N; 21o68’ E), in a split-plot design in 4 repetitions. The study factors were: 4 spring barley cultivars and foliar feeding (control, Cu and Mn).Results. The foliar fertilizers used in the experiment increased grain yield, ear density, number of grains per ear and 1000 grain weight. The content of chlorophyll in subflag leaves was usually higher in cultivars fertilized with copper compared to manganese, with only the cultivar Suweren having an inverse relationship. Copper application favorably increased the value of the PSII functioning index both compared to the control and to fertilization with manganese. The LAI index was dependent on the cultivar and the foliar feeding. A slight tendency to a higher content of total protein and raw ash on plants fertilized with foliar micronutrients was observed. A larger increase of these contents in comparison to the control was found after the application of copper than of manganese.Conclusion. Spring barley yield, yield structure components, the relative content of chlorophyll in the leaves, LAI index and chemical composition of grain depended on the weather conditions during the plant growing periods. Foliar feeding with manganese resulted in an increase in grain yield and 1000 grain mass when compared to foliar feeding with copper. Copper fertilization resulted in a greater increase in the relative content of chlorophyll in the leaves and a higher content of total protein and crude ash in the grain compared to manganese fertilization. A greater increase in the LAI index compared to the control was observed in plants fertilized with manganese rather than with copper.

YIELD AND FIBRE CONTENT OF MAIZE PLANTS CULTIVATED FOR GREEN MATTER IN POLAND

Background. This work presents the findings of research conducted in 2009–2011 aimed at an assessment of the suitability for cultivation in Poland of selected maize cultivars included in the Common Catalogue of Varieties of Agricultural Plant Species (CCA). Production-related value of the examined cultivars and fibre content determining the quality of feed produced from maize stover harvested at various development stages were assessed. Material and methods. The following two factors were examined in the experiment: A − the harvest date of maize green matter (I − tasseling stage (75% of plants at this stage), II − milk maturity stage (after three weeks), III − wax maturity stage (after another three weeks); B − cultivars with different maturity (Pyroxenia – very early, FAO 130, Codimi – early, FAO 200, Moschus – early, FAO 220, Alombo – medium early, FAO 230, Celive – medium early, FAO 245).Results. The results demonstrated that the highest fresh matter yields were obtained for cv. Alombo harvested at the stage of milk maturity and at the stage of wax maturity, and for cv. Celive harvested at the wax maturity stage. Conclusion. All of the maize cultivars had their lowest content of crude fibre and its fractions when they were harvested at the wax maturity stage.

AGRICULTURAL AND ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF THE USE OF BIOSTIMULANTS AND HERBICIDES IN CULTIVATION OF THE TABLE POTATO CULTIVAR GAWIN

Background. Integrating mechanical cultivation measures with herbicides adapted to the state and degree of weed infestation effectively reduces segetal vegetation. Biostimulants in turn have a positive effect on plant growth and development and increase plant resistance to the adverse effects of various stress factors. The aim of the study was to evaluate the production and economic effects of cultivation of the table potato cultivar Gawin after the use of mechanical measures, herbicides and herbicides with biostimulants. Material and methods. The field study was carried out in the years 2012–2014 at the Przedsiębiorstwo Wielobranżowe Soleks, in the town of Wojnów located in the Mazowian Voivodeship, on light soil with quality class IVb which is classified as the very good rye complex. The test plant was the medium-early table potato cultivar Gawin. The experimental variants comprised of five methods of using mechanical and chemical measures: the control variant – only mechanical weeding and four variants with the use of herbicides or the use of herbicides and biostimulants: Harrier 295 ZC (linuron + clomazone), Harrier 295 ZC (linuron + clomazone) + Kelpak SL, Sencor 70 WG (metribuzin) and Sencor 70 WG (metribuzin) + Asahi SL. The standard gross margin method was used for the economic assessment of the methods of cultivation. Results. The total tuber yield on variants with mechanical and chemical cultivation was 22.5% higher compared with the control variant, and the marketable yield was 39% higher. Despite the relatively high costs incurred to protect the potato from weeds, integrating mechanical measures, herbicides and biostimulants was cost-effective. Conclusion. The highest yields of the cultivar Gawin (total and marketable) and the best economic effect in relation to the control variant were obtained using intensive mechanical weeding as well as the herbicide Sencor 70 WG and the biostimulant Asahi SL.

WINTER OILSEED RAPE YIELD DEPENDING ON FOLIAR FERTILIZATION

Background. An insufficient amount of nutrients in plants results in the disturbance of basic physiological processes, weakens the growth and development of plants, and consequently contributes to a reduction in yield. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of foliar fertilizers containing sulphur, boron and amino acids on the seed yield of three winter oilseed rape morphotypes (Monolit, PX115, PT248).Material and methods. The study was carried out in 2016-2019 at the Zawady Agricultural Experimental Station (52o03' N; 22o33' E) belonging to the University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Siedlce, in Poland. The field experiment was established in a split-plot design with three replicates. The studied factors were: I – three winter oilseed rape morphotypes: population (cv. Monolit), restored with the traditional growth type (cv. PT248), and restored with the semi-dwarf growth type (cv. PX115); II – types of foliar feeding: 1. The control variant – without foliar feeding and amino acids applied, 2. biostimulant Aminoplant, 3. foliar fertilizer Siarkomag + foliar fertilizer Bormax, 4. foliar fertilizer Siarkomag + foliar fertilizer Bormax + biostimulant Aminoplant.Results. Foliar fertilizers used in the experiment increased the thousand seed weight (on average in the range from 0.9% to 3.4%), seed yield (on average in the range from 2.5% to 18.5%), straw yield (on average in the range from 2.1% to 5.4%) and the harvest index (on average in the range from 4.4% to 7.5%). Of the compared cultivars the semi-dwarf cultivar (PX115) was characterized by the highest yield, while the lowest was from the population cultivar (Monolit). The highest thousand seed weight, main and secondary yields were obtained in the first year of the study which was characterized by a higher total rainfall during seed development and maturation of pods periods compared to the multi-year period, while the lowest levels of these factors was in the vegetation season of 2017–2018 with a humid autumn season and dry period during the flowering and maturation of pods.Conclusion. The most significant increase in the thousand seed weight and seed yield was obtained after applying mixed fertilizers containing sulphur, boron and amino acids. Additional foliar application of the biostimulant Aminoplant on plots with the population and semi-dwarf cultivars did not significantly increase the seed yield as compared to the control. A significant effect of the genetic factor and climatic conditions on the discussed traits has been demonstrated.