Lotus corniculatus 'Solnyshko' – a perennial herbaceous plant of the legume family, valued as fodder, medicinal, and ornamental culture. Bushes reach a height of 40–50 cm, have a dense structure with prostrate ascending branched stems. The root system is powerful and branched, penetrating to a depth of 1.5 m, which ensures drought resistance and increases yield.
Lotus flowers are bright yellow, gathered in umbels of five to six pieces with long flower stalks. The vegetative period begins 37–55 days after sowing, and ripening takes from 61 to 119 days. The dry matter yield is 8.2–10.3 t/ha, and seeds – 1.4–6.0 c/ha. The crude protein content in dry matter ranges from 14.9% to 21.2%, making the plant valuable fodder for livestock.
Lotus 'Solnyshko' has high resistance to diseases and pests, as well as good winter hardiness (88–100%). It does not cause tympany in animals, is easily silaged, and yields soft nutritious hay. When fed to cows, the hay improves the taste of milk and promotes the formation of yellow oil with high carotene content. Furthermore, the plant is a good nectar source and stimulates the immune system.
The variety is widely used in agriculture as a predecessor for barley, oats, or wheat sowing, after which the plot can be plowed and vegetable crops can be grown. Due to its adaptability to various soil types, including acidic ones, lotus is suitable for early spring planting with a sowing rate of 80–100 g/m² (alternate) or 100–180 g/m² (solid). In landscape design, it is valued as a dense carpet, especially in meadow lawns. Its soft and thin stems are also suitable for haymaking.
Thus, 'Solnyshko' is a versatile plant combining high fodder value, medicinal properties, and ornamental appeal, making it in demand both in the agricultural sector and in landscape design.
