SMOLENSK 1

The horned vetch variety "Smolensk 1" is a perennial legume suitable for cultivation on less fertile, heavy, and saline soils where traditional forage crops yield low harvests. It is characterized by a well-developed root system: the main taproot penetrates deep into the soil up to 2 m, ensuring drought resistance and increasing nutrient availability. The stem grows to a height of about 50 cm, the leaves are elongated-oval, bright green, hairless, and the inflorescences are loose racemes of yellow color with possible orange shades.

"Smolensk 1" is distinguished by high yield in both the first and second year of use. In the vegetation cover, it can produce 40–50 c/ha of dry matter (hay), with protein content up to 16%. When sown in early spring at a depth of 2–3 cm with seed scattering of 8–10 kg/ha, the plant grows back quickly after mowing and does not cause tympany in animals. Dry matter yield in the second year can reach 8.2–9.3 t/ha, which is several percent higher than the standard variety.

The variety is resistant to drought, diseases, and pests, as well as possessing good acid-alumina resistance. It is suitable for both hay and green fodder, and seeds are harvested from the second cut upon browning of 60% of the pods – seed yield is 4–5 c/ha. Thanks to its characteristics, "Smolensk 1" is a valuable component of legume-grass mixtures and ensures a stable forage flow even under unfavorable climatic conditions.