Effectiveness of Jerusalem artichoke cultivation technology using moisture-retaining superabsorbent polymers

Jerusalem artichoke is a hygrophilous (moisture-loving) crop. If irrigation works are impossible in fields with Jerusalem artichoke plantings, it is feasible to apply an improved technology of Jerusalem artichoke cultivation. The aim of the study was to identify the effect of Jerusalem artichoke cultivation technology using moisture-retaining superabsorbent polymers (SAP) “Aquasin-Agro” in combination with doses of mineral fertilizers on the yield of Jerusalem artichoke tubers of the Omsk White variety. The experiment was conducted atA.G. Lorch Potato Research Center in the period between 2017 and 2019. on sod-slightly podzolic sandy loam soil in accordance with the requirements of B.A. Dospekhov’s field experience methodology and methods of conducting research on Jerusalem artichoke crops. The experiment included four backgrounds of local application of mineral fertilizers during planting (from 0 kg/ha to 562.5 kg/ha) and five doses of SAP during row-to-row mechanized treatment (from 0 to 200 kg/ha). No mineral fertilizers or SAP were applied during the control (0 kg/ha). As a result of the research, the authors have a technology for sandy loam soil. The technology includes the following basic operations: autumn winter plowing; spring disking with a heavy harrow and cutting ridges; planting with simultaneous local application of mineral fertilizers at a dose of 375 kg/ha to 562.5 kg/ha; three row-by-row mechanized plantings; during the first mechanized care, local application of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) Aquasin (Agro) in dry weather to a depth of 4-6 cm at a dose of 150-200 kg/ha; visual inspection of plantings for diseases and pests, followed by their elimination if found; mowing of the green mass five months after planting, and the harvesting of tubers two weeks after mowing of the green mass. The implementation of the proposed technology elements makes it possible to obtain a yield of Jerusalem artichoke tubers of more than 38.7 to 39.9 t/ha with a control of 18.9 t/ha and a conditional net income ranging between 250.6 and 267.8 thousand rubles/ha. It is necessary to carry out further research to study of the effects of a combination of technological effects of SAP and mineral fertilizers, including simultaneous local application.