The influence of spatial arrangement of crops relative to the forest on biochemical indicators of soybean grain

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to establish the patterns of influence of spatial distribution of soybean crops relative to forest plantations on the main biochemical indicators of seeds (moisture content, mass fraction of protein, nitrate content), in order to determine the optimal growing con- ditions of this crop to ensure its ecological and nutritional quality. Methods. The methodological basis of this research is: empirical (field experiments and observations; measure- ment of indicators of the research object; theoretical (put- ting forward a hypothesis and forming conclusions based on research results; statistical; mathematical. Results. The highest grain moisture content is 15.4% at a distance of 100 m; the lowest is 7.9% at 200 m. Remote areas have lower and more stable moisture levels (8–9%), while “medium” distances (100 m) have the maximum moisture level. This is explained by dynamic microclimatic conditions, less influ- ence of shading and regulation of water balance. A signifi- cant increase in protein content is observed with distance: from 40.2% (10 m) to 65.35% (1000 m). This is explained by increased lighting conditions and stress factor – the optimal environment in those areas promotes protein syn- thesis. Minimum values at 10 m: 15.1 mg/kg; maximum – 30.9 mg/kg at 200 m. With distance from the forest, nitrate accumulation increases due to potential excess fertilization, reduced natural filtration through buffer zones. Biochemical indicators of soybean grain specifically respond to the complex of climatic and ecological conditions formed by the forest buffer. Buffer proximity provides lower humidity and reduced nitrate accumulation, but may prevent the formation of optimal conditions for protein synthesis due to excessive shading. Optimal limits are 50–100 m for a more balanced indicator of the complex. 500–1000 m – well suited for grain with a high protein content, but require con- trol over nitrates. Conclusions. For the production of grain with low humidity and nitrates, it is better to plant fields in the zone 10–50 m from the forest. To obtain higher-class protein grain – 500–1000 m, but it is necessary to ensure environmental management of nitrate content. Introduction of buffer zones from green belts to limit pollution and pre- serve the optimal microenvironment.