Features of root system formation and productivity of sunflower depending on soil cultivation and cultivation technologies

Abstract

Goal. To assess the influence of soil cultivation systems and technologies on the formation and productivity of the root system of sunflower and its yield in various conditions of moisture in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. A field 2-factor experiment was conducted in 2023–2025 on the fields of LLC “Kolos” (Rozdilnianskyi district, Odesa oblast). The soil of the experimental sites was typical chornozem with a humus content of 4.0–4.2%, pH 7.8–8.2, and the total porosity was 57–58%. They studied the formation and layered placement of the root system in the soil profile of 50 cm using various growing technologies (Classic, Clearfield), and cultivation systems (verti-till, strip-till) using the Qualidisc 7000 disc harrow as a control. The weight of the roots, their productivity index, and yield for 3 years were assessed. Results. The soil cultivation system and cultivation technology significantly influenced the development of the sunflower root system. With the introduction of Classic technology, a powerful root system was formed. The verti-till and strip-till systems provided a greater total weight of the roots and a maximum index of their productivity, which by 5.9% exceeded the control (0.18–0.19 kg of dry biomass per 1 kg of roots). The maximum yield of sunflower seeds for 3 years of research was achieved using strip-till technology using the Mzuri Pro-Til 6T seeder. Using Clearfield technology, the yield of its seeds was 0.31 t/ha more than that of the control. The use of Classic technology provided a yield of seeds by 0.36 t/ha more than the control. Conclusions. The use of the strip-till system provided the highest and most stable yield of sunflower, especially in the case of moisture deficiency. The introduction of the Classic technology was more effective at sufficient moisture, while the Clearfield technology was more appropriate for use in extreme drought conditions.