Productivity of perennial legumes depending on the irrigation and fertilization regime in the scientific field of the All-Russian research institute of irrigated agriculture

The article presents studies of elements of perennial legume cultivation technology in the scientific field of All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Agriculture (Volgograd). The irrigation regime, fertilization system, and diversity of perennial legumes were studied. The most rational irrigation regime seems to be maintaining the pre-irrigation moisture threshold in the 0.7 m layer at no less than 80% of the LMC (lowest moisture capacity) during the growing season. The best option was the application of mineral fertilizers NPK2, the fertilizer dose calculated to obtain 32 t/ha in the first, 80 in the second, 70 in the third and 60 t/ha of green mass in the fourth year of life grass stands. Depending on the level of pre-irrigation soil moisture, the highest yield was formed by variegated alfalfa (Medicago varia) and sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia and Onobrychis transcaucasica). The lowest — by yellow alfalfa (Medicago falcata) and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus).