The Vitebsk Zonal Institute experimentally determined the optimal sowing dates for winter barley in the north of Belarus
While the heavens are on the side of the agrarians, every fine moment must be used. But without a thoughtful, responsible approach, high yields and a rich fodder base cannot be achieved. Science and technology are of assistance, which is clearly understood by the machine operator of the Vitebsk Zonal Institute of Agriculture of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Sergey Ignatiev, whom we found in the field sowing the last hectares of galega. Ignatiev has been at the institute for almost 20 years, and his wife also works here – the head of the fodder production department.
Sergey Ignatiev.
— You could say we have a family business, — Sergey Nikolaevich laughs. — I am a hereditary agronomist myself, and I invariably spent my school summer holidays as a combine harvester assistant. Perhaps it was then that I fell in love with this profession, its romance. Even now, when I look at a green, and then golden field that I myself have sown, my soul brightens just as it did in my youth.
The zonal institute has been engaged in winter barley for several years, the potential of which was noted by the President at the time. Production sowings here occupy more than 40 hectares, says the head of the department of grain and leguminous crops, Ivan Chekalov:
— For the second year, we have been conducting an experiment to study the timing and seeding rates of winter barley in the conditions of the Vitebsk region. This crop is thermophilic and quite capricious. To get a decent harvest in the north of the country, all nuances must be taken into account. Experiments with the first variety
The main task of the Vitebsk Zonal Institute, according to its director Sergey Kolotkov, is precisely this – to test varieties of various agricultural crops, taking into account the local climate, propagate them, and transfer improved planting material to farms:
— You could say we have become a kind of trendsetter in agriculture in our native region.
The institute, which rightly prides itself on having the largest collection of grain and leguminous crops in the region, certainly has something to offer. The collection covers about three hectares and includes 99 varieties of domestic and foreign selection, Sergey Kolotkov clarifies:
— Experiments on specially allocated plots allow us to determine which crops and varieties are best suited for the Vitebsk region.
This year, the institute has for the first time planted the soybean variety "Sussex", zoned for the Vitebsk region. They have also focused on such a promising crop as Galega orientalis, increasing its acreage to 6.5 hectares. In terms of protein contentThis perennial legume grass surpasses even silphium, which is called the new queen of the fields.
IN CONTEXT
Currently, in the Vitebsk region, as throughout the country, fodder harvesting is in full swing, notes Vitaly Vorobyov, Head of the Department of Agriculture, Crop Production, and Fodder Production of the Vitebsk Regional Agricultural Production Department. Work in the region began a week earlier than last year. The total area of first-cut grasses is 210 thousand hectares, of which more than 20 percent have already been harvested as of June 4. Over 0.8 centners of fodder units have been harvested per conventional head of cattle. Corn sowing for silage is nearing completion in the Vitebsk region. This season, 106 thousand hectares have been allocated for it – 20 thousand more than last year. The region's farms have already completed planting vegetables on 250 hectares.
— You could say we have a family business, — Sergey Nikolaevich laughs. — I am a hereditary agronomist myself, and I invariably spent my school summer holidays as a combine harvester assistant. Perhaps it was then that I fell in love with this profession, its romance. Even now, when I look at a green, and then golden field that I myself have sown, my soul brightens just as it did in my youth.
I have been working on this energy-intensive "Belarus-3522" for the third year. Work is progressing well, and we have everything necessary for this: reliable equipment, experience, and also, and this is important, a working attitude. How could it not be, when you see how much has already been done and is being done for the development of our agriculture with the constant support of the Head of State. I am far from a novice in the agro-industrial complex, so I have something to compare it with.Most of the areas of the Vitebsk Zonal Institute of Agriculture of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, which is almost 1550 hectares, including 1350 hectares of arable land, are sown by the versatile machine operator Sergey Ignatiev. Before you know it, he will switch to a combine harvester: the winter barley harvest is planned to begin here at the end of June – beginning of July.
The zonal institute has been engaged in winter barley for several years, the potential of which was noted by the President at the time. Production sowings here occupy more than 40 hectares, says the head of the department of grain and leguminous crops, Ivan Chekalov:
— For the second year, we have been conducting an experiment to study the timing and seeding rates of winter barley in the conditions of the Vitebsk region. This crop is thermophilic and quite capricious. To get a decent harvest in the north of the country, all nuances must be taken into account. Experiments with the first variety
domestic selection "Buslik", which is most adapted to our fields, and imported "ZUU Midnight" helped to determine the best sowing dates for our region. This is not the end of August, as previously thought, but September 10-15, with an optimal density of 3-4.5 million seeds per hectare.
Ivan Chekalov
The main task of the Vitebsk Zonal Institute, according to its director Sergey Kolotkov, is precisely this – to test varieties of various agricultural crops, taking into account the local climate, propagate them, and transfer improved planting material to farms:
— You could say we have become a kind of trendsetter in agriculture in our native region.
The institute, which rightly prides itself on having the largest collection of grain and leguminous crops in the region, certainly has something to offer. The collection covers about three hectares and includes 99 varieties of domestic and foreign selection, Sergey Kolotkov clarifies:
— Experiments on specially allocated plots allow us to determine which crops and varieties are best suited for the Vitebsk region.
For example, we are working with Silphium perfoliatum, which yields 750 to 1,000 centners of green mass per hectare in several cuts. This is a real find and a basis for a reliable feed table. The plant has enormous potential. At the same time, last year only four farms purchased seeds from us. We hope this is just the beginning.Sergey Kolotkov also notes the significant economic effect of cultivating Silphium, which successfully grows in one place for up to 30 (!) years. This means that funds and resources for spring field work can be saved. Another advantage is that even small-contoured plots are suitable for this crop, which is relevant for the Vitebsk region.
This year, the institute has for the first time planted the soybean variety "Sussex", zoned for the Vitebsk region. They have also focused on such a promising crop as Galega orientalis, increasing its acreage to 6.5 hectares. In terms of protein contentThis perennial legume grass surpasses even silphium, which is called the new queen of the fields.
IN CONTEXT
Currently, in the Vitebsk region, as throughout the country, fodder harvesting is in full swing, notes Vitaly Vorobyov, Head of the Department of Agriculture, Crop Production, and Fodder Production of the Vitebsk Regional Agricultural Production Department. Work in the region began a week earlier than last year. The total area of first-cut grasses is 210 thousand hectares, of which more than 20 percent have already been harvested as of June 4. Over 0.8 centners of fodder units have been harvested per conventional head of cattle. Corn sowing for silage is nearing completion in the Vitebsk region. This season, 106 thousand hectares have been allocated for it – 20 thousand more than last year. The region's farms have already completed planting vegetables on 250 hectares.