Lupin is an annual leguminous crop known for its ability to fix nitrogen and significantly increase soil fertility. It is particularly effective on light sandy and loamy soils with moderate acidity, where it can accumulate up to 200 kg/ha of nitrogen per year. Thanks to its well-developed root system, lupin absorbs poorly soluble phosphates and returns them to the surface, contributing to soil enrichment with organic matter and humus. Green mass contains up to 50% protein and 5–20% oil, making it a valuable feed for animals and a potential food source for humans.
For optimal growth, lupin requires main and pre-sowing cultivation: on sandy soils, one or two harrowings, and on loams, loosening of clay layers. Nitrogen application is not necessary; microelements (molybdenum, boron, zinc, manganese, cobalt) are sufficient to maintain symbiotic fixation. On sandy soils, it is recommended to add 60–80 kg/ha of potassium and micro-fertilizers in chelated forms. Sowing is carried out after grain crops, at a soil temperature of +5 °C, at a depth of 3–4 cm. Sowing rate – 0.8–1.0 million viable seeds/ha.
Lupin germinates quickly and forms a dense cover in 4–5 days after sowing, allowing effective control of weeds. Weed control uses agronomic methods (harrowing) and chemical agents at the 2–4 leaf stage. Plant damage from pests is minimized using Dimefos, Bi-58, and Stefesin, while disease protection is provided by the biofungicide Ultrafit.
During the growth period, lupin receives foliar top-dressing with humates (List) and micro-fertilizers. Cutting is done at high mowing when the plant reaches 25–30 cm in height, allowing for green mass for feed or silage. In the case of using lupin as a cover crop, residues decompose in the soil after cutting and become a light fertilizer, increasing organic matter and humus.
Thus, lupin is a universal crop: it enriches soil with nitrogen, improves soil structure, provides high-quality feed, and can be used as a cover crop or main crop in agricultural cycles.
