AGRO BIOLOGICAL PECULIARITIES OF GIANT KNOTWEED AND CUP PLANT AFTER FERTILIZATION WITH SEWAGE SLUDGE

In the context of climate changes and sharp rise in fossil energy prices, the development of the sustainable and efficient agriculture requires finding innovative solutions for adapting the technologies of plant cultivation and animal breeding which can ensure the food security and safety, favourable for improving the quality of life in the rural areas. An important role in solving the above mentioned problems is played by the implementation in the culture of herbaceous perennial plant species, which, on the one hand, can provide animals with fodder, and, on the other hand, can become a reliable source for obtaining biomass for the production of energy. The purpose of the research was to investigate the effect of fertilization with sewage sludge produced as a result of municipal wastewater treatment on the productivity and the quality of natural forage of the Gigant variety of giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinense) and the Vital variety of the cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum). It was established that the application of urban sewage sludge in a dose of 50 t / ha contributes significantly to the productivity growth of the cup plant and giant knotweed. Also, the fodder obtained has a higher protein and fat content, and decreased cellulose content in comparison with the unfertilized plants. The implementation of these cultures can help to ensure the animals with qualitative feed, to produce renewable energy and to increase the share of agriculture in gross domestic product