THE INFLUENCE OF WINTER RAPESEED SOWING RATES ON PLANT SURVIVAL AND CROP YIELD
Abstract
Purpose: Given the ambiguity of scientific statements regarding the optimal seeding rate for winter rapeseed, the goal of our research was to establish a seeding rate that would ensure the highest crop yield. Methods. Three variants of seeding rates were studied: 450 thousand pcs. seeds/ha, 550 thousand pcs. seeds/ha and 650 thousand pcs. seeds/ha. The hybrid of winter rapeseed DK Exima was grown. The fertilization system included the application of N120P60K60 + microfertilizer Orakul colofermin boron, 3 l/ha. During the growing season of winter rapeseed, the diameter of the root collar of plants and the height of the growth point above the soil level were determined at the time of the cessation of autumn vegetation, the dynamics of plant density in the phase of full germination, during the spring vegetation renewal period and before harvesting, as well as seed yield. Results. It was established that the most favorable wintering conditions in the form of the formation of the thickest root collar – 8.5 mm and the lowest relative to the soil surface location of the growth point – 2.29 cm, are provided by the sowing rate of winter rapeseed of 450 thousand pcs. seeds/ha. It was this option that provided the highest percentage of surviving plants relative to those sown after wintering – 87.0% and by the end of the growing season – 85.8%, and also had the highest field germination – 90.3%. However, this option did not provide the minimum required plant density by the end of the growing season, which should be at least 400 thousand pcs. plants/ha, having a final density of 348.65 thousand pcs. plants/ha. This is what influenced the lower yield, compared to other options. Conclusions. Under the conditions of sowing the winter rapeseed hybrid DK Exima on August 15-20 with the N120Р60К60 sowing fertilizer + Orakul colofermin boron microfertilizer, 3 l/ha, on gray podzolized medium loamy soils, the highest seed yield – 3.50 t/ha is provided by the sowing rate of 550 thousand pcs. seeds/ha. This is achieved by maintaining the highest plant density until the harvesting period – 459.87 thousand plants/ha, which is 83.6% of the amount of sown seeds. Also, under this sowing rate, rapeseed plants overwintered, having a root collar thickness of 8.3 mm and a growth point height above the soil level of 2.37 cm.
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