Effect of the Aggregate Composition of the Arable Layer on Winter Wheat Yield Under Micro-Plot Experiment Conditions

Abstract

This study focuses on the physical modelling of the aggregate composition of the arable soil horizon in order to evaluate its effect on the yield of winter wheat. It is hypothesised that the maximum possible yield can be achieved under the soil and climatic conditions of southern Ukraine on South Ukrainian chernozem if the arable horizon has a varying aggregate composition with tillage depth. It has been established that the arable horizon must have a layer-specific aggregate composition in order to achieve this maximum yield. Three layers can be distinguished: above-seed layer, where 10–20 mm aggregates account for around 55 per cent; the seed layer, where 0.25–5 mm aggregates account for around 80 per cent; and the sub-seed layer, where 20–50 mm aggregates account for around 60 per cent. This information can be used to evaluate existing mechanised technologies and to develop new soil tillage technologies and tools for tillage machines adapted to the local soil and climatic conditions of southern Ukraine. The practical significance of the research findings lies in their application to modelling soil tillage processes and developing new technical and technological solutions related to soil cultivation.