Technology of cultivation of transitory mint of the second to third years of life

Until recently, in the Krasnodar region, mint was cultivated as a non-perennial crop which lead to significant expenses for the annual reproduction and planting of seedlings. Research of the Voznesensky branch of VNIIMK during 2014-2106 on varieties of mint Simferopol 200, Prilukskaya 6 and Reznikova Memory showed the possibility of cultivation of this crop during not less than three years inclusive (transitory cultivation). The leaf yield, the essential oil collection and the production cost of the end mint product of the second and third years of life of all studied mint varieties are much higher than those of the mint of the first year. The Simferopol 200 variety showed the best productivity of the leaf and essential oil collection in the planting of the mint of the second and thirds years of life. Plants of mint on perennial plantations have an increased density of stalk. Mint of the third year of life begins vegetation 17-20 days earlier in comparison to the growth of shoots on seedlings of the first year of life. Increased stalk density and earlier growth allow the mint to use the autumn-winter and early spring moisture reserves in soil better. A new technology for cultivation of transitory mint was developed, which includes mandatory autumn and spring replowing of plantations after the second year of vegetation. It ensures an equal distribution of plants throughout the plantation area. In addition, an autumn surface fertilizer application in dosage of N160P120K135 with subsequent harrowing incorporation is required. In autumn, two weeks after harvesting, as well as in the spring before the emergence of young shoots, an herbicide is applied on the mint plantations. The technology of perennial cultivation of transitory mint of the third year of life completely excludes the costs for preparing of soil and planting material and mechanized intertillage.