The influence of abiotic and anthropogenic factors on the formation of spring rapeseed yield in the North-West of the Russian Federation

Abstract

Data on the influence of abiotic and anthropogenic factors on the formation of crop yields are important for developing the system for production process managing. The studies were carried out in 2012-2019 on the basis of agroecological stationary experiment aimed at investigating the effectiveness of long-term use of mineral fertilizers (N0P0K0, N65P50K50, N100P75K75) and an integrated plant protection system. Weather conditions turned out to be the most significant among all factors affecting the yield of spring rapeseed Oredezh 4 in the North-West region of the Russian Federation. Rapeseed plants show increased sensitivity to moisture and heat supply conditions in the first half of the growing season. At the same time, during the most of the growing season of the crop and especially at the initial stages of ontogenesis the rainfall has a positive effect (r = 0.43…0.67, р ≤ 0.05), and temperature has a negative effect on rapeseed yield (r = -0.44…-0.50, р≤0.05). The integrated plant protection system was more important in the formation of the spring rapeseed crop (19.8 %) than the application of mineral fertilizers (2.2 %). According to the results of all the necessary protective measures, the averaged value of the preserved spring rapeseed yield over the years of the research was 1.04 t/ha (90 %), in the years of mass reproduction of the cabbage moth it reached 0.96 t/ha (213 %), in the years of strong development of Alternaria – 1.46 t/ha (248 %). In the absence of protective measures, the application of fertilizers, as well as the cultivation of spring rapeseed in general, becomes impractical. The combined use of mineral fertilizers and plant protection products in spring rapeseed sowings ensured the formation of a seed yield of 1.97-2.13 t/ha, which exceeded the control (N0Р0К0, without means of protection) by 1.06-1.22 t/ha (117-134 %).

Contribution of weather conditions and anthropogenic activity to the variation of grain yields in the North-West of Russia

“…Climatic and weather conditions have a significant impact on agricultural production since they largely determine the level of crop yields, product quality, production costs, and features of agrotechnical and technological measures [1,2]. The main factors of crop productivity also include the application of fertilizers, the use of plant protection products, and the implementation of appropriate tillage practices [3]. These are anthropogenic factors that can be used in a controlled manner.…”