Oil cole crops as a promising high - efficient green manure

The results of numerous research show that over a hundred-year period since the expedition of V.V. Dokuchaev, the chernozem of the central part of Russia has lost about 25-40% of humus. The underlying reasons for the loss of humus in arable chernozem are the reduction of organic matter entering the soil, intensification of tillage, chemical decomposition due to the influence of applied physiologically acid fertilizers and erosion. It is extremely difficult to receive stable and high yields of agricultural crops on soils with low content of organic matter. The high and stable yields are possible only upon condition of an expanded reproduction of soil fertility and by constantly improving soil’s agrochemical indexes. Factors such as the lack of organic fertilizers of a manure type and the high cost of its application do not allow providing a deficit-free balance of organic matter in the soil. The introduction of green manure crops into the structure of planting acreage will partly allow to meet the requirements of cultivated agricultural crops of crop rotation in nutrients and to receive high yields. The article presents the results of production trials and research on the use of green manure crops in different soil and climatic conditions of Russia and other countries. Based on the results of conducted research, the authors recommend using cole crops as a green manure as they meet the main requirements of intercrops to a greater degree due to their cold resistance, short growth season, and the ability to intensively grow the green mass rich in protein. White mustard is the most preferable choice for improvement of the phytosanitary condition of the fields, increase of soil fertility and crop yields. In the current economic situation, biologization of agricultural production can be the most efficient and cost-effective way to intensify farming.