Rehabilitation of Soil Properties by Using Direct Seeding Technology

Abstract

The application of direct seeding technology on typical and ordinary chernozems in the European territory for four years has resulted in a significant increase in the content of soil organic matter in regions with sufficient moisture supply and some tendency of its in regions with insufficient moisture supply (Stavropol region). A tendency for an increase in the available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium contents has also been observed. The yield of crops and profitability of production in the course of long-term (> 7 yr) application of direct seeding are approximately 30% higher than in the case of traditional technologies. Application rates of glyphosate-containing herbicides to control weeds can be significantly reduced in the case of using cover crops, modern biochemical methods, and strict compliance with the technology of herbicide application. Taken together, these measures ensure an increase in the number and species diversity of microorganisms that can suppress pathogenic microflora significantly reducing the damage to plants from diseases and pests.