The influence of an optimised system of mineral nutrition and biological products on the formation of winter wheat productivity in the conditions of southern Ukraine

Abstract In Ukraine, one of the key tasks of agriculture is to ensure stable production of high-quality grain, which is of great importance for food security and the national economy, particularly through wheat exports. Intensification of grain production is closely associated with the introduction of modern biopreparations that significantly affect the growth and development of agricultural crops. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of mineral fertilisers and pre-sowing seed treatment with biopreparations on the productivity of winter wheat. The article presented data from research conducted at the educational, scientific and practical centre of Mykolaiv National Agrarian University during 2020-2022 on winter wheat of the variety duma odeska. The study employed generally accepted methods, including analysis and synthesis, laboratory and field experiments. It was found that yield levels were strongly influenced by the biopreparations used for pre-sowing seed treatment, the level of mineral nutrition, and the impact of climatic conditions during the growing season. Similarly, changes in grain yield under the influence of cultivation factors were reflected in the elements of yield structure. The use of biopreparations affected the yield level of winter wheat. The greatest yield increase was obtained with the biopreparation Azotofit-r, while the lowest was recorded with Phytocid-r. Grain yield significantly increased with the application of mineral fertilisers at a rate of N30P30K30 + N30 as early spring topdressing. The highest yield was obtained with seed treatment using the biopreparation Azotofit-r – 4.15 t/ha, while the lowest yield was formed in the control variant – 3.34 t/ha. The research confirmed the feasibility of pre-sowing seed treatment with biopreparations that optimise the nutrition of winter wheat for the formation of high grain yields. The obtained scientific results will contribute to wider application of biopreparations for seed treatment, ensuring rapid and full plant growth and development of winter wheat, as well as further increases in productivity and gross grain yield