TERRITORIAL DIFFERENTIATION OF KIROV REGION FOR BARLEY CROPS PLACEMENT

Abstract

The study was carried out in order to identify agroecologically similar territories for guaranteed production of high-quality barley grain in the region. The object of the study was the municipal districts of Kirov region. Study period is 2011-2021 The study was carried out by analyzing the time series of crop yields with the allocation of the ecological component of its variability. To unite objects into classes, the method of pair-group association was used. As a result, 7 agroecologically similar territories were allocated to accommodate crops. The most favorable for the placement of barley crops is agroecologically similar territories 2, which is located in the central agro-climatic zone. Here, the maximum yield of barley (23.5 c/ha) is obtained with a minimum level of variation (16.5%). The cumulative influence of soil and climatic conditions provides a guaranteed crop yield in this area. The soil cover of agroecologically similar territories 1 and 3 is mainly represented by soddy-podzolic and podzolic soils with a high degree of cultivation. Moderate moisture and heat supply in these areas favor the cultivation of barley with a moderate level of variability (17.7-18.8%). In these agroecologically similar territories, the productivity of barley to a greater extent depends on the level of agricultural technology. The combined effect of soil and climatic conditions ensures moderate yields in agroecologically similar territories 5 and 7 with a high level of variation (22.0-24.1%). Therefore, in these territories, in order to obtain a guaranteed yield, it is recommended to use barley varieties that are more adaptive to local conditions. Excessive moisture in agroecologically similar territories 4 and 6 limits the production of high and stable yields. In these territories, the minimum yields are obtained (14.3 and 15.6 c/ha) with a high level of variation (26.8 and 24.6%). It is not recommended to grow barley in these areas.