Efficiency of complex protective measures in cultivating perennial grasses in radioactively contaminated floodplain meadows

Abstract

In a stationary, factorial experiment established in 1994 on radioactively contaminated natural floodplain fodder lands, the effect of cultural practices in combination with agrochemical measures was studied in order to produce organic feed (hay) which complies with the applicable standards of VP 13.5.13/06-01 in terms of specific activity of cesium in them - 137. The translocation sizes of 137Сs in the soil-plant system were determined by a complex of agrotechnical and agrochemical measures. The highest effectiveness of protective counter-measures in the framework of the research was obtained with amelioration of the flood meadow. Transition of cesium-137 from the soil into the feed, and from the feed into the livestock products (milk, meat) was calculated. Application of full mineral fertilizer with a N:K ratio of 1:1.5 both against surface and root treatment reduces the 137Cs transition into livestock production, that accordingly reduces the risk of a high internal irradiation dose to people consuming these products to the levels conforming radiation safety standards.

Keywords

• roughage fodder
• perennial grasses
• 137cs
• yield
• mineral fertilizers
• internal irradiation dose