Formation of the structure of common sainfoin plants depending on the elements of technology

Purpose. The article reflects the results of a field study of the influence of technological elements on the formation of the structure of common sainfoin in conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. The following methods were used in the research: hypothesis, experiment, observation and data analysis, field research, measuring and weighting, mathematical and statistical methods. Results. It was established that the highest indicators of the structure of the common sainfoin plants were formed on variants with a 30 cm row spacing, a 6 million pcs./ha seeding rate and N30P60K90 fertilizing, and the lowest – with a row spacing of 7.5 cm and a seeding rate of 5 million pcs./ha without fertilizing. The following dependence was revealed: due to the increase in the width of the rows from 7.5 to 15.30 cm, an increase in leaves and inflorescences and a decrease in stems in the structure of plants was observed. The highest indicators of leaves, stems and inflorescences were observed at the sowing rate of 6 million pieces/ha and from 7.5 cm to 15 cm increase in the width of the rows. This contributed to the increase in the proportionality of leaves by 0.5%, inflorescences – by 0.2%, the reduction of stems – by 0.7%. An increase in width from 15 to 30 cm led to the increase of leaves index by 4.6%, inflorescence – by 0.5% and reduced percentage of stems. Conclusions. It was established that the most favorable conditions for the formation of the structure of sainfoin plants were formed at a 30 cm row width, a 6 million pieces/ha seeding rate and N30Р60K90 fertilizing rate. According to the results of the experiment, the plant structure is as follows: leaves – 40.3%, stems – 48.7%, inflorescences – 11%. Therefore, the main task of intensive technologies for the cultivation of perennial grasses, sainfoin in particular, is the correct spacing of plants, that forms the optimal structure of the grass stand and ensures high productivity.