Restoration of war-damaged soil fertility to ensure sustainable agricultural production, food security and global recognition of Ukraine

Abstract

The introduces new agrotechnological crop rotations is relevant in the context of environmental protection. The study aims to investigate the effectiveness of introducing two crop rotations on degraded lands in the Mykolaiv region, where active military operations were conducted. The study determined that the introduction of new crop rotations led to a 1.3-fold increase in gross output compared to previous data. In a five-field crop rotation, growing perennial grasses for green fodder together with annual grasses for silage restored soil fertility and increased yields by 30 c/ha compared to existing economic indicators. Oat yields with perennial grasses increased by 18 c/ha. Growing corn for silage and green fodder provided an additional 100 cwt/ ha. An increase in the yield of fodder roots and annual grasses for green fodder by 110 c/ha demonstrated the effectiveness of the new crop rotations. In a seven-season crop rotation, the introduction of perennial grasses increased soil fertility reduced soil erosion, and increased yields of winter wheat and sugar beet. Sugar beet yields increased by 25 c/ha, while potatoes and grain corn yields increased by 55 c/ha. The introduction of annual grasses, pulses and buckwheat helped to increase yields by 28 c/ ha. The results of the study can be used by local communities to develop and implement environmental measures and programmes aimed at restoring the structure and fertility of damaged lands and preserving their quality