Comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of the use of phytomeliorated hayfields in an arid floodplain ecosystem

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to assess the potential effectiveness of phytomeliorative reconstruction of low–yielding hayfields in the system of forest-meadow floodplain ecosystems to protect farms from climate risks. The research methodology provided for the identification of the growth capacity of phytomeliorants with one- and two-axis use of the meadow, which was measured by the weight of biomass (g/m2) of meadow use. The correlation coefficient was calculated using the program STATGRAPHICS+5.0. Economic efficiency indicators were calculated according to the technological operations carried out for phytomeliorative improvement (ploughing, harrowing, sowing, rolling). According to the research results, it was revealed that phytomeliorative measures in the first 2 years of use can achieve an increase in the yield of hayfields (2–4 times) and a reduction in their ripeness (2–3 weeks). With the two–axis use of a seeded meadow in the first year, the profitability level is 148.8%, and the payback is 2.49 $/$. In the second year, the profitability level reaches 152.7–172.5%, the payback is 2.53–2.73 $/$ depending on the period of mowing.

Keywords

• Biomass
• Plant community structure
• Haymaking
• Peasant farms
• Phytomelioration
• Economic efficiency