Influence of snow cover height on the yield and winter hardiness of winter garlic (Allium sativum L.) in the Priobskaya Forest-Steppe

The article presents the results of studies on the effect of artificially formed snow cover height (0, 10, 20, 30 (control), 50 cm) on the yield and winter hardiness of the selected form of winter garlic C-21 in the Far Eastern ecological and geographical zone. The studies were conducted in 2023–2025 at the experimental vegetable plot of the Siberian Research Institute of Vegetable Growing. A strong positive correlation has been established between the height of the snow cover and the studied characteristics: for yields in 2023–2024, it was (r = 0.812) (p < 0.05), in 2024–2025 – (r = 0.96) (p < 0.05), for the average bulb weight in 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 – (r = 0.907) (p < 0.05). The highest yields in 2024–2025 (1.71 kg/m²) and in 2024–2025 (2.1 kg/m²), as well as winter hardiness (94–95 %), were observed at a snow depth of 50 cm. A decrease in snow cover height to 10 cm led to a significant decrease in yield (1.0–1.11 kg/m²) and winter hardiness (52.5–55 %). In the absence of snow in 2023–2024, the plants froze completely, while in 2024–2025, under milder winter-spring conditions, the survival rate of the plants was 9 %. The analysis of soil temperature patterns confirmed the key role of snow in maintaining a positive thermal balance during the winter season. For guaranteed overwintering of winter garlic in the study region, the critical minimum level of snow cover is 20–30 cm. To ensure high yields of winter garlic, it is recommended to carry out snow retention measures. The warming in the Priobskaya forest-steppe is not accompanied by an increase in aridity, which creates favorable conditions for expanding the cultivation of winter crops.

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