EFFICIENCY OF IRRIGATION WATER USE IN THE CULTIVATION OF FODDER CROPS

The article considers the problem of effective use of irrigation water in the cultivation of fodder crops on irrigated lands of the Saratov Trans-Volga region. The main costs in the cultivation of crops fall on the supply of water, so its efficient use becomes one of the main tasks in irrigation reclamation. The possibility of cultivation in this natural and climatic zone of a large number of various forage crops is shown, the features of their cultivation on irrigated lands are considered. Data on the distribution of fodder crops by species are given, the possibility of more efficient use of irrigated lands by introducing intermediate crops into crop rotations is shown, which will allow obtaining a greater yield of fodder units per irrigated hectare. The issue of methodology for conducting water-balance studies on irrigated lands and the determination of individual elements of the water balance equation is considered in detail, their relative values are given. The irrigation regimes for alfalfa, Sudanese grass and sorghum are considered, irrigation norms are given for the years of cultivation, as well as the number of irrigations. The difference in irrigation regimes is substantiated, both for different crops and for different years of research, depending on the natural moisture supply. The values of coefficients of water consumption and use of irrigation water for the considered fodder crops are calculated according to the values of productivity and irrigation norms. In conclusion, a conclusion was drawn about the most rational choice of crops for cultivation in this natural and climatic zone, while maintaining a favorable ecological and reclamation state of irrigated lands and efficient use of irrigation water.