EFFECT OF AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES ON THE YIELD AND GRAIN QUALITY OF VARIOUS WINTER WHEAT VARIETIES

Abstract

In the context of growing climatic risks and the need to ensure food security, stabilization of the production of high-quality winter wheat is of particular importance.  The purpose of the studies was a comprehensive assessment of the impact of key agricultural practices on the productivity and quality of new varieties. Field experiments were carried out in 2019-2021 in the zone of unstable moistening of the Stavropol Territory on clayed loam chernozem. It was established that the leading factor, which determined the yield and quality of grain, was the predecessor. Sowing on complete fallow provided a reliable increase in yield up to 150% and consistently high quality of grain (3^rd grade) compared to the permanent crop after the spiked predecessor. The use of mineral fertilizers in the dose of N₉₀P₆₀K₆₀ compensated for the negative impact of re-sowing, increasing the yield by 79%, the protein content by 1,5%, and gluten – by 3,1%, which made it possible to obtain the 3^rd grade. The inverse relationship between the yield and the quality of grain depending on the sowing time was found: the optimal time provided the maximum yield (4,29 t/ha), and the later one – the highest protein content (15,1%) and gluten (27,0%), as well as an improvement in the grain grade (Victoria variety 11 – up to the 2^nd grade). The optimal sowing rate, which ensures the balance of yield (4,29 t/ha) and quality (3^rd grade), is 5 million germinating seeds/ha. An increase in the norm to 6 million/ha led to a significant deterioration in quality parameters (the protein content decreased to 13,9%, most varieties formed grain of the 4^th grade). Varietal features were established: Victoria 11 variety stood out for the stable high quality of grain, Sekletiia and Sofiia – for high yields, and Armada – for plasticity and responsiveness to agricultural practices.