DEVELOPMENT OF THE ROOT SYSTEM OF WINTER WHEAT DURING IRRIGATION

The article presents the results of long-term field research (2022-2025) devoted to the study of the dynamics of the root system of winter wheat under irrigation conditions. It has been established that the depth of root penetration and their distribution over the soil profile are largely determined by the irrigation regime and the depth of groundwater. It has been shown that at a groundwater level of less than 3 m, the root system reaches the capillary rim already in the tubulation phase, which allows plants to effectively use soil moisture during the critical growing season. An inverse relationship has been revealed between the depth of root growth and their density in the arable horizon, which negatively affects grain quality and increases the tendency of the crop to settle. It has been proven that the use of mineral fertilizers, especially nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, increases yields and productivity coefficients, but reduces the share of root mass in the total biological yield. The necessity of fractional application of nitrogen fertilizers in connection with their leaching into deep soil layers under conditions of a washing water regime is substantiated. It is concluded that irrigation regime management, taking into account soil reclamation conditions and monitoring of groundwater depth, is a key factor for obtaining high and stable winter wheat yields.