Sunflower cultivation: technologies and profitability
Sunflower is one of the most popular crops in Ukraine, due to its high profitability and demand on the world market. However, successful sunflower cultivation requires adherence to certain technologies and consideration of many factors. In this article, we will consider the key aspects of sunflower cultivation that will help to obtain a high yield and maximize profits.
1. Choosing a sunflower variety
Choosing the right variety is the first step to successful sunflower cultivation. Modern hybrids are characterized by high yields, resistance to diseases and pests, and adaptation to different climatic conditions.
- Criteria for choosing a variety:
- Drought resistance.
- Ripening dates (early, medium, late).
- Yield and oil content.
- Resistance to diseases (downy mildew, phomosis).
- Popular hybrids in Ukraine:
- Sanfin.
- Pioneer.
- Syngent.
2. Soil preparation
Sunflowers are demanding on soil quality. To obtain a high yield, it is necessary to properly prepare the field.
- Stages of soil preparation:
- Autumn plowing (depth 20-25 cm).
- Spring harrowing to conserve moisture.
- Fertilizer application (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium).
- Recommendations:
- Avoid planting sunflowers after crops that heavily deplete the soil (e.g. beets).
- The optimal soil pH is 6.0-7.5.
3. Sunflower sowing
Proper sowing is the key to uniform germination and high yields.
- Sowing dates:
- The optimal soil temperature is 8-12°C.
- In the southern regions of Ukraine, sowing begins in mid-April, in the northern regions - in early May.
- Seeding rate:
- 50-60 thousand seeds per hectare for hybrids.
- Sowing depth is 5-7 cm.
- Sowing technologies:
- Using precision seed drills.
- Use of herbicides to protect against weeds.
4. Crop care
Sunflower care includes controlling weeds, pests, and diseases, as well as ensuring optimal plant nutrition.
- Main activities:
- Herbicide treatment (pre- and post-emergence).
- Pest control (aphids, mealybugs, meadow moths).
- Treatment with fungicides for disease prevention.
- Watering:
- Sunflowers are drought-resistant, but additional watering during flowering and seed formation increases yield.
5. Harvesting
Timely harvesting of sunflower is a key stage that affects the quality and quantity of the harvest.
- Signs of readiness for harvesting:
- The leaves and baskets become dry and brown.
- Seed moisture content is 12-15%.
- Collection technologies:
- Using combines with special sunflower headers.
- Minimizing losses by adjusting the speed and cutting height.
6. Profitability of sunflower cultivation
Sunflower is one of the most profitable crops in Ukraine. However, profitability depends on many factors, including growing technology, seed and fertilizer prices, and market prices for sunflower.
- Example of calculating profitability:
- The average yield is 2.5-3.5 t/ha.
- The cost of seeds is 20-25 thousand UAH/t.
- Cultivation costs are 10–15 thousand UAH/hectare.
- Net profit – 30-50 thousand UAH/hectare.
- Factors affecting profitability:
- Seed quality.
- Weather conditions.
- Market prices for sunflower and oil.
Conclusion
Growing sunflowers is a profitable business that requires attention to detail and adherence to modern technologies. The right choice of variety, soil preparation, timely sowing and crop care will help you get a high yield and maximize profits. Ukraine remains one of the leaders in sunflower production, and thanks to innovations, this sector continues to develop.
