Theoretical fundamentals of buckwheat's mineral nutrition

Abstract

The analysis of literary sources of domestic and foreign authors is carried out. The importance of buckwheat as a cereal crop, characterized by a high content of protein, starch (respectively 11.5 and 85 %) and a complex of vitamins and trace elements.

Buckwheat is a qualitative nectariferous herb. Under favorable conditions honey efficiency may reach 70–90 kg/ha and more. Buckwheat’s great importance lies in its being an insurance crop for resowing lost winter plants. Buckwheat is able to cutback tall weeds of fields due to its rapid growth and considerable vegetative mass. It also facilitates optimal physical properties of soil.

The article reviews other researchers’ works concerning macro- and microelements' impact on the buckwheat yielding capacity. Most researchers agree on the compulsory application of mineral fertilizers. They are, nevertheless, of different opinions concerning the rates of application. The given problem is discussion both in Ukraine and abroad.

The nitrogen content in buckwheat amounts 1.72 % (in grain) and 0.78 % (in straw). On its different stages of development buckwheat consumes different amounts of nitrogen.

Phosphorus content in buckwheat grain amounts 0.67 % and 0.73 % in straw. Phosphorus penetration into buckwheat is different on different stages of this crop development. Maximal content of phosphoric acid is observed on the budding stage and at the beginning of blooming.

The potassium content in grain (0.32 %) is to a great extent less in comparison with straw (2.88 %). The most intensive potassium penetration into buckwheat herbs is observed on the stages of budding and blooming. On the growth points it is localized in the forms of ions.

The article highlights physiological role of fertilization microelements in the growth and development of buckwheat herbs. It presents brief retrospective review of evolution of applying fertilizers with microelements beginning from 1970–1980-s till today and arrives on the recommendation of compulsory additional leaf fertilization by microfertilizers in helat form. In addition, mechanism of helat fertilizers action is described which are the real alternative of applying microelements combined with mineral fertilizers in soil. The minimal impact of modern chelated microfertilizers on the environment is noted.

Leading scientists recommend the following chelated microfertilizers: crystalons, vuxals, reacom, nutrivan and others.

A particular attention is paid to the recommendations of researchers from Poland taking into consideration the fact of relative identity of Ukrainian and Polish conditions of buckwheat growing as well as geographical nearness of this country.