Resource-efficient technologies for cultivation of oilseeds, cereals and legumes in conditions of climate change and increase of agricultural production

Abstract

Sustainable soil management is a key factor in ensuring stable crop production under modern agricultural challenges. This study assessed the impact of primary tillage systems on the growth, productivity and quality of oilseed, cereal and legume crops under the conditions of climate change and intensified agricultural production. A three-year field experiment (2021 ÷ 2024) was conducted using a two-factor design with three replications, comparing four tillage systems – traditional, minimum, Strip-Till and No-till – across six crops. The study also evaluated the potential of these systems to reduce energy inputs and conserve soil moisture under variable climatic conditions. Results and conclusions. Strip-Till and Minimum tillage created more favorable moisture and aera-tion conditions in the arable layer, enhancing vegetative growth and yield formation. Strip-Till increased plant height, leaf area and yield in winter wheat (5.82 t/ha) and winter rapeseed (3.46 t/ha). No-till proved to be the most effective for sunflower, maximizing leaf area and seed weight under arid conditions. Legumes responded best to Minimum tillage, with higher thousand-seed weight and yields in peas and chick-peas. Grain sorghum showed stable performance across all systems. Strip-Till and No-till also improved grain and oil quality. These technologies reduce fuel consumption and conserve soil moisture, ensuring stable productivity with lower energy inputs. Overall, adaptive tillage systems improve crop productivity and quality; Strip-Till is optimal for winter crops, No-till for sunflower, and Minimum tillage for legumes. Explanatory notes: data are presented as mean values ± standard deviation; the significance of differences was assessed using the LSD criterion at p ≤ 0.05. Source: compiled by the authors.