Sinapis alba L. as an important green manure and fodder crop in the Carpathian region of Ukraine

Abstract

White mustard is an important green manure and fodder crop in the Carpathian region. The purpose of this study was to determine the indicators of fodder productivity and chemical composition of fodder of white mustard varieties recommended for cultivation in the studied soil and climatic zone. The methodological framework of this study was formed by general scientific and special research methods. The findings presented in the study for 2021-2023 highlight the dynamics of accumulation of vegetative mass and dry matter of white mustard in different major growth stages and development phases (BBCH) and the chemical composition of the feed. Studies have shown that the climate changes observed in recent years with increased temperature and sufficient rainfall meet the biological requirements of crop cultivation, while the created high-performance varieties meet the requirements of agricultural production of both seeds and green mass. It was found that per 1 ha the varieties Ariadna and Bila Pryntsesa leave about 9.9-10.1 t/ha of root residues in the soil and form a high yield of green mass (37.1-37.8 t/ha), which can be used for green fertiliser in the sixth stage of growth (flowering) of the BBCH 65 phase (full flowering: 50% of flowers on the main raceme are open, old petals have fallen off). Although the chemical composition of the biomass is somewhat inferior to conventional fodder crops, the crop under study can provide a balanced fodder in combination with high-protein crops. In the main sixth stage (flowering), the developmental phase BBCH 65, the value of the varieties was 4.081-4.158 t/ha of feed units and 5.194-5.292 t/ha of digestible protein. The findings of this study can be used by agricultural enterprises and farms for both green manure and fodder, which will increase soil fertility and improve animal nutrition