Ecological and economic efficiency of growing maize for grain in short-rotation cultivation of the Western region

Purpose. The purpose of the article – to substantiate the economic efficiency and environmental feasibility of maize growing for grain in short-rotational cultivation in the Western region at different levels of anthropogenic loads. Methodology / approach. Ecological and economic assessment of the efficiency of growing maize for grain in short-rotation cultivation with the help of intensive and alternative organomineral fertilization systems was carried out on the basis of the interpretation of information array of data obtained in the conditions of a long-term experimental model range of the Institute of Agriculture of the Carpathian Region during 2016–2020. The economic efficiency was determined by the calculation method according to the technological maps developed by us. Results. It has been proved that the complex use of mineral (N120P100K100) and organic (both traditional – manure, and alternative – winter wheat straw – stubble predecessor in cultivation and green mass of post-harvest sidereal culture) fertilizers contributes to obtaining high productivity of maize grain with a yield of 6.10–6.87 t/ha of grain, 8.20–9.20 t/ha of feed units and 0.49–0.55 t/ha of digestible protein. It has been proven that the highest values of notional net profit (737 USD/ha) and payback of 1 USD of expenses (2.0 USD) are provided for joint application of mineral and alternative organic fertilizers. It has been established that a high conditional level of profitability of growing maize for grain (72–104 %) is formed for the introduction of mineral fertilizers at a dose of N120P100K100 on traditional and alternative organic backgrounds. The ecological-stabilizing role of organomineral fertilizing complexes has been substantiated in soil-grain processes, proposed for use in maize growing for grain. Originality / scientific novelty. For the first time in the conditions of the Western region, there is a scientifically substantiated ecological and economic feasibility of maize growing for grain in short-rotation cultivation with traditional and alternative fertilization systems. Practical value / implications. The proposed approaches for growing maize for grain in short-rotation cultivation of the Western region ensure its high grain productivity at the level of yield of 6.10–6.87 t/ha of grain, 8.20–9.20 t/ha of fodder and 0.49–0.55 t/ha of digestible protein, increase the conditional level of profitability up to 72–104 % for environmentally safe agricultural production.