Kimburn

Adaptation to Extreme Steppe Conditions

The 'Kimburn' crested wheatgrass (Agropyron) is a tetraploid, rhizome-free variety developed by the Institute of Climate-Oriented Agriculture of the NAAS of Ukraine. Since its registration in 2008, this variety has demonstrated exceptional resilience in the arid conditions of the southern regions. Its primary value lies in its ability to provide stable yields of green mass on saline and nutrient-poor soils where other forage grasses lose productivity.

Agrotechnics and Sowing

To achieve maximum stand density, 'Kimburn' requires adherence to specific cultivation practices:

• Sowing Dates: The early spring period is optimal when the soil is saturated with moisture. Late autumn (pre-winter) sowing is also acceptable, ensuring uniform emergence as soon as the first warm days arrive.
• Placement Scheme: A row-seeding method with 15–30 cm spacing is recommended. When establishing hayfields on eroded soils, increasing row spacing to 45 cm is permissible to reduce moisture competition.
• Seeding Rate: Depends on soil type and intended use (hay or pasture), averaging 10–12 kg/ha for pure stands.

Care and Development Phases

During the first year of life, 'Kimburn' develops slowly, focusing on establishing a robust root system. During this phase, it is critical to control field weediness, as weeds can suppress young plants. Starting from the second year, the variety enters an active growth phase early in the spring. Its mid-season maturity allows for the first cut to be performed at the optimal time, when the plant is at its peak nutritional value.

The crop is characterized by high salt tolerance and drought resistance, making it indispensable for restoring degraded pastures. In the flowering phase, the inflorescences feature distinct awns, and the broad green leaves, lacking a waxy coating, retain their forage quality even under moisture stress.