FORMATION A FORAGE MASS YIELD AND ADAPTABILITY OF PERENNIAL LEGUME-CEREAL HERBAGE INVOLVING THE MEDICAGO VARIA MART

Abstract

The article presents the results of studying the peculiarities of formation of aboveground mass and the biological adaptability of three-component legume-cereal grass mixtures with the participation of varieties of timothy grass (VIK 9), awnless brome  (Fakelny) and changeable alfalfa (Selena, Pastbishchnaya 88, Agnia). Using the method of main components for a comprehensive analysis of the length, number of shoots of the studied grass species, as well as the yield of dry matter of grass stands, two main components were identified, which explain the variability of characteristics for each of the two mowing by 78,3%. It was found that the yield of dry matter of agrocenoses was more determined by the length of shoots than by their number. In each mowing, the presence of competitive relationships in shoot formation in timothy grass and awnless brome, as well as timothy grass and alfalfa changeable. Based on the similar nature in the formation of shoots of awnless brome and changeable alfalfa, it was assumed that these cultures are most suitable for composing a grass mixture. In varying weather conditions six field seasons of growth processes and accumulation of crop dry matter of grasses in variants of the experiment had its own peculiarities: in extreme conditions the herbage is most strongly differed among themselves on a range of indicators and, on the contrary, in a relatively favourable – was more homogeneous. Based on the results of two-factor analysis of variance, a significant influence of meteorological factors on the productivity indicators for mowing was mainly established. The reliable influence of the composition of agrocenosis on the yield of feed mass was revealed only on the first date of grass harvesting. The inclusion of changeable alfalfa variety of Selena has resulted in a substantial increase of productivity of herbage. Agrocenoses with the participation of alfalfa Selena and Agnia varieties had increased values of general and specific adaptive capacity and were the most responsive to the improvement of environmental factors.